What Does The Expert Says?

U. ANANG ISCHAK

OPERATIONS ENGINEERING MANAGER AT STAR ENERGY GEOTHERMAL

About the Expert?

U. Anang Ischak, also known as Mr. Anang is an expert in the field of geothermal energy. His activities in the geothermal world began in 2008 when he worked in the Chevron geothermal division which in 2017 underwent a divestment and then changed its name to Star Energy Geothermal. Now his position is the Operations Engineering Manager at Star Energy Geothermal.

Seeing the very high potential of geothermal energy in Indonesia, why do people still rely heavily on the use of fossil energy?

Based on theoretical, it shows the enormous potential of geothermal energy, which amounts to 25.4 GigaWatt. But, if you look at the facts in the field, the percentage of energy that has made it to the operation and development stage is very small, which is less than 10%. However, these problems are not only caused by the community, where they only act as users who have no choice. Meanwhile, from the other side, such as the developer, government, and existing regulations, they are still not fully aligned. If the prospects in oil and gas are still good, then why are companies with an oil and gas base such as Chevron looking for opportunities in geothermal energy?

Reflecting on increasingly complex environmental problems and global trends that lead to the use of low-emission energy, this is one of the pillars that drive oil and gas companies to look at long-term opportunities in renewable energy.. Starting around 2000, Chevron developed geothermal energy with assets in Salak and Darajat (Indonesia), Makban and Tiwi (Philippines). With the condition of oil prices that began to be depressed in 2015,

Chevron analyzed their portfolio and obtained a decision to divest one of its divisions into Star Energy Geothermal. Currently, Star Energy Geothermal owns assets in Salak, Darajat and Wayang Windu, becoming the largest geothermal producers in Indonesia. Making a breakthrough is quite difficult, but how do geothermal energy players in Indonesia face it?

The problem in geothermal is very complex, not just one point that affects its development. Several factors are interrelated. Starting from financing, the environment, land acquisition, legal/regulations, social issues, permits, and technology are a chain of interrelated problems. It has been quite a lot done, especially the central government, one of which is the Indonesia Energy Mix Policy in 2025 with a target of around 23% of renewables energy Furthermore, in terms of laws and regulations and for the desire to make a transition, of course, it is supported by national and international geothermal associations or organizations. The problem is more about implementation, regulations already exist, but in terms of implementation, they are still lacking, including things such as unpreparedness of related parties in the field, lack of coordination between institutions so that synchronization is needed. Can geothermal energy be a bright prospect for renewable energy in Indonesia’s future?

There are already portions for renewable energy in Indonesia, and as we’ve known geothermal energy has a very large potential, not only in Indonesia but also in the whole world. Although the target has not been developed extensively, there is always hope, especially in the midst of issues related to green energy both nationally and internationally and suppressing carbon emissions. There needs to be a gradual development target to reduce the use of fossil energy by emphasizing integration with global trends.

As an executor, what are your hopes for geothermal energy?

I hope that there will be a good alignment at the stakeholder level, such as the government must ensure that regulations and other facilities are available, the developer must be brave to see the potential and answer the challenges that exist in society. From the perspective of the community, matters related to myths and traditions should be given more understanding so that development in the area can run smoothly, because in the future, clean energy is very much needed by the community. Moreover, local governments and other sectors related to implementing regulations need to be reminded that their support is very meaningful. In a conclusion, if we can overcome these challenges one by one, geothermal energy development can be better.