Jakarta – PT PLN (Persero) continues to demonstrate its commitment to promoting national energy independence through the development of a Geothermal Power Plant (PLTP) in Bengkulu. The presence of this PLTP is not only a strategic step towards energy self-sufficiency but also opens up significant opportunities for job creation and regional economic growth.
PLN’s Director of Project Management and New and Renewable Energy, Suroso Isnandar, stated that the mandate for PLTP development is stipulated in the 2025–2034 Electricity Supply Business Plan (RUPTL). In this document, the government targets a PLTP capacity of up to 5.2 gigawatts (GW) across Indonesia.
“Indonesia’s geothermal potential is enormous and spread across many regions. We will optimize the development of the PLTP that has been studied so that its presence has a real impact, both for communities surrounding the project and PLN customers throughout Indonesia,” said Suroso.
Furthermore, Suroso explained that PLN is currently preparing several strategic geothermal projects, including two geothermal power plants (PLTP) in Bengkulu Province.
“The two geothermal projects in Bengkulu are part of the implementation of the 2025–2034 RUPTL (Regional Development Plan) and are designed to strengthen the mix of new and renewable energy (EBT) while increasing the reliability of electricity supply,” Suroso explained.
He explained that the development of the 110-megawatt (MW) Kepahiang Geothermal Power Plant in Kepahiang Regency and Rejang Lebong Regency is now in the final stages of selecting a strategic partner. The electricity generated will be distributed to the Pekalongan Substation (GI) in Kepahiang Regency.
Meanwhile, PLN’s Director of Legal and Human Resource Management, Yusuf Didi Setiarto, emphasized the importance of prioritizing the allocation of primary energy sources in Indonesia. He expressed his strong hope that meeting primary energy needs for the electricity sector would be prioritized.
“What are the expectations? We certainly want to prioritize the provision of primary energy for electricity,” explained Yusuf.
He added that this issue is closely related to the energy self-sufficiency efforts also championed by PLN President Director Darmawan Prasodjo. Yusuf highlighted the challenge of dwindling energy resources, which has given rise to competition between sectors.
“We know our resources are dwindling, and we’re currently competing over which should be prioritized: fertilizer, electricity, industry, or whatever,” he said.
PLN is optimistic that the Bengkulu Geothermal Power Plant will become a driving force for clean energy in Sumatra, as well as a concrete example that sustainable natural resource management can go hand in hand with improving community welfare. With the support of all parties, Bengkulu will become an icon of renewable energy-based energy self-sufficiency in Indonesia.