Indonesian Vice President: geothermal energy prioritized in Java

Antara 3 Sep 10;

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The use of geothermal energy in the second stage 10,000 MW project will be prioritized in Java Island, Vice President Boediono said.

"I wish that the 10,000 MW project stopped using coal, especially in Java island," he said in Jakarta, Friday.

Speaking to the media after breaking the fast at his official residence, Boediono said coal in Java island will be replaced by gas or geothermal energy.

"Places other than Java may continue using coal, but it is also still being considered and planned," he said.

Earlier, Coordinating Minister for Economy Hatta Rajasa said the second-stage 10,000 MW project will be based on geothermal energy.

Along with the Vice President and the relevant ministers, Hatta will formulate and seek a solution to problems facing electricity.

"If a regulation is necessary, we will make it, and if a law is needed, we will discuss it with the House of Representatives," he said.

Indonesia`s geothermal potential was said to be the biggest in the world, reaching 28,112 megawatts (MW).

Of these figures, the biggest geothermal reserve is 14,707 MW, with a power capacity of 14,405 MW. But only four percent, or 1,189 MW in 265 locations is utilized by Indonesia for four percent of electric energy, or 1,189 MW, whereas actually the utilization of fiver percent of this energy or 9,500 MW by 2025 had already been proclaimed.

Besides touching on the 10,000 MW program, the Vice President also mentioned several things the government is doing like anticipating the fluctuation of crude oil prices, poverty eradication, and bureaucratic reforms.

"On this occasion, I wish to say that actually we have done many things and many other things need to be done," he said.

But he added that in several programs progress had been rather slow, or results are expected in the long run.(*)