Sukhyan, a secretary to the director general for geology and mineral resources at the ministry, identified three of the fields: Surik Merapi (central Java), Suoh Antatai (west Sumatra) and Seulawah (Aceh) but added that all 13 fields “have a potential capacity of 1,917 mW”.

According to Sukhyan, “Pertamina obtained the working rights for the 13 geothermal fields from the government, but returned them as it could not develop the fields. Pertamina is developing 18 other geothermal fields with a combined capacity of 3,600 mW.”

“The tender will be held after the release of a government regulation on the exploitation of geothermal resources, [which should] come out this year,” added the official. The new regulation will support a new geothermal law enacted last year that would encourage the development of alternative energy sources.