Pertamina secures permits for exploration drilling at Gunung Tiga geothermal site, Indonesia

Groundbreaking ceremony of Gunung Tiga geothermal exploration projects in Lampung, Indonesia (source: PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy)

Carlo Cariaga 31 Jul 2025

PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGEO) has secured all necessary permits to begin with exploration activities at the Gunung Tiga geothermal site in Lampung, Indonesia. With this development, the company will soon start work on a three-well exploration drilling program to characterize the potential geothermal resource in the area.

The groundbreaking of the geothermal exploration project in Gunung Tiga was held about a month ago, simultaneous with the inauguration of several geothermal power plants by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. A 55-MW development is anticipated at Gunung Tiga, further increasing the geothermal power capacity of the Lampung province from the 220-MW operational capacity of the Ulubelu geothermal power project, which is also operated by PGEO. The Ulubelu facility currently supplies about 20% of the electricity needs of the Lampung province.

“With 55 MW, we can help or supply electricity to 450,000 homes with an average usage of around 90 KWH per month, which is very large,” commented PGEO Operations Director Ahmad Yani.

PGEO Director of Exploration and Development Edwil Suzandi acknowledged the role that government bodies played in securing the licenses necessary for the exploration drilling. “With full support from the government, the licensing process has been expedited. We are now ready to begin drilling for the Ulubelu project.”

After drilling, the company will conduct tests to assess the wells’ stability and output capacity. This will take between one to two months. Only then will the actual potential of the site be determined, and will help in deciding the number of wells needed to reach the target installed capacity.

Source: JakartaGlobe.id and Tempo.co