Turkey Eyes Geothermal Investment in East Java

TEMPO.CO, Surabaya - Turkish businessman Emin Hintay is planning to invest in geothermal in three areas in the province: Bromo-Tengger-Semeru, areas outside of the national conservation park of Mount Lamongan, and Mount Raung.

Through PT Hintay Renewable Energy, Emin Hintay had prepared US$ 2.5 billion. "He had received the exploration permit from the Minister of Energy," East Java Governor Soekarwo told reporters in Surabaya, Tuesday, March 26.

Around Bromo, geothermal energy potential is estimated at 500 MW. Hintay, who is also the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Indonesia in Turkey, also plans to take over the Ijen geothermal area currently managed by PT Medco Cahaya Geothermal, a subsidiary of PT Medco Energi Internasional Tbk (MEDC).

Dewi J. Putriatni, head of East Java's Energy and Mineral Resources Department, said Hintay will hold preliminary surveys, which include geology, geochemistry, and geophysics surveys, as well as magnetotellurics (MT) practices to measure to the area's geothermal potential. The process can take one to two years before exploration can begin.

"It takes five years from the time of surveys until exploration begins," she said.

East Java has a geothermal potential of 1,100 megawatts located in 10 locations, three of which have been licensed. They are the Telaga Ngebel, Blawah Ijen, and Iyang Argopuro.

AGITA SUKMA LISTYANTI