House to approve new geothermal law soon: Official

By Thomas Robiana Sembiring

Following eight months of deliberation process, the House of Representatives is expected to approve the new Geothermal Law today or on Tuesday, according to Director General of New and Renewable Energy, Rida Mulyana.

Rida said that the new law, to replace Law No 27/2003, is expected to help accelerate new investment in the geothermal sector, whose development has been undermined by various obstacles including lengthy permitting process.

Geothermal is seen as one of the sources of alternative energy in the country, which is struggling to reduce dependency on fossil fuels. The country has huge resources of geothermal thanks to its location in the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire.

Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak