{"id":8625,"date":"2025-10-17T13:49:31","date_gmt":"2025-10-17T06:49:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ligaasuransi.com\/?p=8625"},"modified":"2025-10-17T13:49:31","modified_gmt":"2025-10-17T06:49:31","slug":"pltp-mangkrak-20-tahun-di-ntt-segera-dibangun-apa-saja-yang-harus-dipersiapkan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ligaasuransi.com\/en\/pltp-mangkrak-20-tahun-di-ntt-segera-dibangun-apa-saja-yang-harus-dipersiapkan\/","title":{"rendered":"Geothermal Power Plant ‘Angkrak’ for 20 Years in NTT: Construction to be Soon, What Needs to be Prepared?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Liga Asuransi <\/b>– Amidst the rapid transition to clean energy, Indonesia is refocusing its attention on a once-forgotten geothermal project: the Mataloko Geothermal Power Plant in Ngada Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). This project is not a new idea\u2014construction began in the early 2000s with the hope of becoming a green energy icon in the eastern part of the archipelago. However, after numerous drilling efforts and basic infrastructure development, the Mataloko Geothermal Power Plant stalled. The infrastructure is partially in place, wells have been drilled, but the electricity generated is almost nil.<\/span><\/p>\n

For nearly 20 years, the Mataloko Geothermal Power Plant has been \u201cstalled\u201d \u2014 a reminder that geothermal projects are highly complex if the technical, social, regulatory, and funding aspects are not managed properly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Now, the project is back in the national spotlight. The government, PLN, and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources plan to revive the Mataloko Geothermal Power Plant. The project is currently in the design and documentation phase\u2014a crucial phase that will determine whether the reconstruction will proceed smoothly or face further delays.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why is this project being revived now? What past obstacles must be addressed? And what strategic steps need to be taken to ensure the project’s full operation?<\/span><\/p>\n

This article will thoroughly discuss the history of the Mataloko Geothermal Power Plant, its current state, and the technical, social, regulatory, and financial aspects that need to be considered to ensure the revival of this project is truly realized.<\/span><\/p>\n

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History and Chronology of the Mataloko Geothermal Power Plant Project<\/span><\/h3>\n

The Mataloko Geothermal Power Plant (PLTP Mataloko) is one of the earliest geothermal projects developed in eastern Indonesia. Located in Mataloko Village, Golewa District, Ngada Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, the site was chosen for its significant geothermal potential. Geologically, the Flores region is known for its array of active volcanoes and rich geothermal systems, making it an ideal candidate for geothermal energy development.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Early Development (2000\u20132004): Great Hopes for Green Energy<\/span><\/h4>\n

The Mataloko project was first initiated by PT PLN (Persero) in the early 2000s. During this period, PLN drilled geothermal wells and constructed basic generating facilities. The initial planned capacity was set at around 12 MW, which was projected to be sufficient to meet the electricity needs of most of the Ngada region and its surroundings.<\/span><\/p>\n

This initial step was in line with the government’s policy at that time, which wanted to exploit Indonesia’s geothermal potential \u2014 a country that has the second largest geothermal resources in the world after the United States.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, despite initial high spirits, the project faced various structural obstacles.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Stopped in the Middle of the Road: Infrastructure Without a Network<\/span><\/h4>\n

By the mid-2000s, the development process began to stall. The primary cause was the unpreparedness of the electricity transmission network. The power plant was built first, but the transmission and distribution lines to consumers were not yet ready. As a result, even though some of the physical infrastructure was already in place and geothermal wells had been drilled, the electricity generated could not be optimally distributed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Furthermore, technical difficulties with well drilling have resulted in unstable geothermal steam production. Several reports indicate that one of the wells experienced pressures that were below initial projections.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Social and Land Issues: The Obstructing Conflicts<\/span><\/h4>\n

In addition to technical issues, the project also faces social challenges. The land surrounding the project is customary land, and the land acquisition process was not conducted with an adequate social approach. As a result, resistance and protests emerged from some local communities.<\/span><\/p>\n

Unclear compensation issues and a lack of communication between the project and the surrounding community have made the project increasingly difficult to continue. In some cases, project facilities have even been damaged due to community protests.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Stalled for Two Decades (2005\u20132023): From Strategic Project to \u201cMonument\u201d<\/span><\/h4>\n

After facing numerous obstacles, the Mataloko Geothermal Power Plant project finally came to a complete halt. For nearly 20 years, the project site had become a sort of “abandoned monument,” with abandoned buildings and obsolete equipment. Some local residents even considered it a local tourist attraction because of its uniqueness\u2014a massive project that stood majestically but never functioned.<\/span><\/p>\n

During this period, the government prioritized geothermal project development in other regions deemed more infrastructure-ready, such as West Java and Sumatra. As a result, Mataloko fell off the priority list.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Revival (2024\u2013Present): Entering the Design & Documentation Phase<\/span><\/h4>\n

It wasn’t until 2024, with the government’s increased focus on the energy transition and the 2060 Net Zero Emissions target, that the Mataloko Geothermal Power Plant project was reconsidered. PLN and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources began reviewing the potential and condition of the existing infrastructure.<\/span><\/p>\n

The project is currently in the design and documentation phase, which involves the technical planning and preparation of project documents that will serve as the foundation for physical implementation. This phase includes:<\/span><\/p>\n