"The realization of geothermal energy management is essential as the energy can be used to boost economic growth in Maluku province, especially in Central Maluku," Minister Lahadalia said in a written statement received in Ambon, Maluku, on Saturday.
He disclosed that the government has tasked the geothermal work team from the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry's (ESDM's) Center for Coal and Geothermal Mineral Resources - Geology Agency (PSDM-BP) with conducting a study in order to realize the goal.
"Hopefully, we will achieve the goal. This is important to encourage the province to boost its economy, especially in Central Maluku," the minister said during a working visit to Central Maluku district.
The minister's call for energy optimization was based on the insufficiency of the state budget (APBN) and the regional expenditure revenue budget APBD) as a means to boost the economy.
"A region will not experience development without using investment. It should be noted that the APBD only contributes as much as 18 percent to the overall economic growth of a region," he pointed out.
Lahadalia said that governments at the regional and central levels only provide funds to a region through APBD and APBN. For its remaining funding needs, a region must be able to optimize its private sector, including by maximizing investments, to boost economic growth, he added.
In 2022, the ESDM Ministry and its regional counterpart in Maluku province conducted a geothermal survey, which identified great geothermal energy potential in Banda Baru and Kobisonta villages in Central Maluku.
"The energy was found in Central Maluku, but I have not studied where the prominent point is. Later, I will check on its development as soon as I get home," he pointed out.
Indonesia has begun to utilize geothermal energy, both directly and indirectly. Geothermal energy can be directly utilized for activities such as heating swimming pools and greenhouses, drying harvests, making palm sugar, and cultivating mushrooms, among others.
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Translator: Ode Dedy. Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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