Residents Oppose Geothermal Project in Indonesia's Ungaran Mountains

Residents in the vicinity of Mount Ungaran, Semarang, Central Java, are voicing opposition to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (KESDM)'s renewed plan to proceed with a geothermal power plant (PLTP) project in the area. Last month, the KESDM issued a decree (Number: 134.TK/EK.04/MEMBPE/2026) dated 2026, assigning the state-owned electricity company Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) to conduct exploration and development of geothermal resources in Mount Ungaran. However, this directive has met with strong resistance from local residents. According to Rahman, Coordinator of the Semarang Menggugat Alliance (ASM), the local community's opposition to the PLTP plan in Mount Ungaran has been ongoing since 2008. At that time, the KESDM designated Mount Ungaran as a geothermal working area (WKP) through the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Decree No. 1789 K/33/MEM/2007. The primary reasons cited by residents of Bawen District, Semarang, for their rejection of the plan revolve around concerns over the environmental impact of its operations. "We are already prosperous through farming. If geothermal enters, our water sources will decrease and become polluted, consequently disrupting agriculture," Rahman stated earlier in September. Beyond threatening water sources that are crucial for agriculture and livelihoods, residents also highlight the potential risks of disasters and toxic substances associated with the project. There are fears that geothermal drilling could trigger activity in active fault lines, thereby increasing the risk of earthquakes. Additionally, concerns are raised about the potential for toxic gases to leak to the surface. "This will undoubtedly disrupt our peace significantly, making residents' lives more vulnerable when they have been safe and comfortable until now," Rahman added. The community has previously conveyed their opposition to the plan to two different Governors of Central Java during separate periods. In approximately 2010, they submitted their concerns to Bibit Waluyo, followed by Ganjar Pranowo in 2019. "We will convey this again to the current governor," Rahman affirmed. Information Source: Mongabay Indonesia