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View all search resultsGovt seeks heritage forest border shift for geothermal projects
Spanning 2.5 million hectares across three national parks, the TRHS is a UNESCO World Heritage site recognized for its role in conserving biodiversity and protecting endangered species.
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The Sarulla geothermal power plants are seen in this undated file photo in North Tapanuli regency, North Sumatra. (Courtesy of/Sarulla Operations Ltd)
T
he Forestry Ministry is seeking approval from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to modify the boundaries of the Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra (TRHS) are to pave the way for geothermal power projects.
Spanning 2.5 million hectares across three national parks, the TRHS is a UNESCO World Heritage site recognized for its role in conserving biodiversity and protecting endangered species. If UNESCO approves the boundary change, geothermal exploration could begin as early as 2027.
“Under UNESCO rules, geothermal development is prohibited within the TRHS because it is categorized as mining. However, Indonesian law classifies geothermal development not as mining but as the utilization of environmental services. This discrepancy has stalled development,” said Satyawan Pudyatmoko, the ministry’s director general of natural resources and ecosystem conservation, during the Indonesia International Geothermal Convention & Exhibition on Wednesday, as quoted by Bisnis.
Satyawan said the proposed boundary change could affect the Suoh Sekincau area in Lampung, which he noted is unlike other parts of the TRHS that teem with wildlife.
“We [are proposing] to exclude this area, but we will provide a replacement so the total size of the TRHS will remain unchanged,” he explained.
Read also: Prabowo launches Rp 25t geothermal, solar power plants in 15 provinces
Suoh Sekincau is the site of ongoing geothermal exploration by PT Star Energy Geothermal Suoh Sekincau (SEGSS), a subsidiary of PT Barito Renewables Energy (BREN), which has held the asset since 2017.
