Vice President Boediono has called on relevant parties to speed up the construction of the Sarulla power plant project in North Sumatra, saying that once the geothermal plant generates power, it will save around Rp 4 trillion in annual electricity subsidies.
“The government fully supports this geothermal power plant project as it will bring financial and non-financial benefits. We expect investors to join because the state budget is insufficient,” he said at his office in Jakarta on Thursday.
The Vice President made the call after witnessing Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Jero Wacik hand over the amended Energy Sales Contract (ESC)/Joint Operating Contract (JOC) to state electricity company PT PLN and PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGE).
Also at the ceremony, Finance Minister Agus Martowardojo presented a warrant of operation feasibility to Sarulla Operations Limited, which will operate the geothermal project.
Boediono said many problems and challenges had affected preparations for the Sarulla project. “Today, we are optimistic about the prospect of this geothermal power plant. This will be one of the world’s biggest geothermal power plants,” he said.
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