ESDM Clarifies Viral Photos of Gunung Slamet Geothermal Site

Response to Viral Images

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has responded to viral photos showing land clearing at the Baturaden Geothermal Working Area (WKP) on the slopes of Mount Slamet, Central Java. The ministry's Director General of New, Renewable Energy, and Energy Conservation (EBTKE), Eniya Listiani Dewi, provided clarification regarding the circulating images.

Current Status of Baturaden WKP

Eniya stated that the photos being shared are outdated, dating back to 2017-2018 when exploration activities were still ongoing. She emphasized that the current condition of the area shows significant natural vegetation regrowth and environmental recovery. The ministry confirmed that the exploration period ended in December 2024, and since then, there have been no further drilling activities or new land clearing.

Management and Oversight

The Baturaden WKP is managed by PT Sejahtera Alam Energy (PT SAE) under the Geothermal Business License (IUP) and Geothermal Permit Adjustment (IPB), covering an area of approximately 24,660 hectares. Eniya assured that the management of WKP Baturaden remains under government supervision, adhering to principles of carefulness, safety, and environmental sustainability.

Separate Mining Activities

During field inspections, the government team discovered separate rock mining activities (galian C) within the WKP Baturaden area, which are not related to geothermal operations. The government is currently evaluating the licensing, governance, and environmental impact of these mining activities.

Clarification on Guci Tourist Area

The ESDM clarified that the Guci hot spring tourist area is located outside the Baturaden WKP and has not been subject to geothermal exploration. Damage to Guci's tourist facilities resulted from flooding on December 20, 2025, an event with historical precedents in the area. Local authorities and communities are currently conducting cleanup and repair efforts.

Future Oversight

The ESDM has committed to strengthening cross-sectoral supervision and conducting comprehensive evaluations of WKP Baturaden's management, including planning for sustainable development of the working area in accordance with prevailing regulations.