In his opening speech at the Indonesia International Geothermal Convention and Exhibition 2024 in Jakarta on Wednesday, Jokowi highlighted that Indonesia had yet to make the most of its geothermal resources, which can generate around 24 thousand megawatts of electricity.
"What is puzzling to me is that despite facing wide opportunities, as evidenced by plenty of investors seeking green energy and our potential to generate 24 thousand megawatts (of electricity), we cannot work on (PTLP construction) in a swift manner," he stated.
The president then quoted Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Minister Bahlil Lahadalia as saying that the main obstacle to effective geothermal utilization is the complex and lengthy permit-obtaining processes.
"Minister ESDM has earlier said it might take five to six years to complete permit requirements. This is the issue we need to address first to enable investors to help us boost the optimization rate of our 24 thousand megawatts potential currently stuck at 11 percent," he affirmed.
That way, Indonesia will be able to produce a higher amount of green electricity, he remarked.
Furthermore, the head of state assessed that the lengthy processes might deter investors from proceeding to place their capital in PLTP projects.
"Personally, I will not be patient enough to wait for six years, although many have said that I am a patient person," he bantered.
Jokowi then reiterated the importance of Indonesia pursuing the development of green energy by optimizing its vast geothermal potential.
"Indonesia is estimated to store about 40 percent of the world's geothermal potential. This signifies that we have a plethora of opportunities to seize," he concluded.
Related news: Indonesia eyes geothermal expansion to hit NZE goal by 2060
Related news: Optimize NRE potential to expedite energy transition: Amin
Related news: Geothermal potential to contribute to energy security in Indonesia
Translator: Benardy F/Mentari D, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2024
