February 1926—In the quiet, dense forests of West Java’s
mountainous region, the roar of drilling machines shattered the stillness as a
group of researchers embarked on a groundbreaking mission. The Netherland East
Indies Volcanological Survey began drilling the first exploration well at
Kamojang Crater, marking the beginning of Indonesia’s journey into geothermal
energy exploration.
The task was far from easy. The fragile volcanic soil and
unpredictable gas pressure presented significant challenges at every step. The
first borehole had to be abandoned after a mud eruption occurred nearby,
forcing the team to retreat temporarily. However, their perseverance soon paid
off. The second well they drilled revealed a powerful gas blower at a depth of
18.60 meters, reigniting hope. But as if playing a trick, the gas disappeared
as soon as the pipe was closed, leaving a mystery buried deep within the earth.
Undeterred, the researchers pressed on. The third well,
drilled near Panggilingan Crater, produced almost pure steam at a depth of 60
meters. This steam, roaring with a pressure of 2.5 atm, was estimated to
produce 8,000 kg/hour—enough to generate 900 kW of electricity. The team had
uncovered a new and unexpected source of energy.
The fourth borehole, drilled to a depth of 105 meters,
yielded steam at 140°C, but the pressure was too low to be of practical use.
The exploration continued, and in September 1926, the fifth borehole was
drilled. This time, the gas temperature reached 123°C, hot enough to boil water
instantly.
By December 1928, the gas pressure in boreholes III and V
had increased to 5 atm, with a stable temperature of 140°C. These two
successful wells became the focus of ongoing observation for years. Daily
measurements were taken until April 1934, when the temporary observation
station was closed. The last temperature checks in April 1938 and May 1939
showed little change, confirming the stability of the geothermal source.
This pioneering series of events during the Dutch East
Indies era is chronicled in the 1983 journal History of Volcanology in the
Former Netherlands East Indies by M. Neumann van Padang. Neumann documented
the early research on Kamojang Crater, highlighting the detailed studies
conducted by Dutch scientists. In 1926, Taverne meticulously mapped the
crater’s morphology, noting that the fumarole field was isolated from the
Guntur cluster by an eroded volcanic ridge.
Later, in 1929, Stehn described the fumarole field and mud
wells at Kamojang, where temperatures ranged between 90-94°C. Earlier, in 1896,
Verbeek and Fennema had speculated that Kamojang Crater lay on the southeastern
side of a large caldera, adding to the geological understanding of the area.
The seeds of geothermal exploration were planted by a
visionary idea from JB van Dijk, a researcher who, in 1918, proposed harnessing
volcanic energy in the Dutch East Indies. Inspired by Italy’s success in using
geothermal energy at Larderello, van Dijk’s writings sparked debate among
experts, though his ideas were initially met with skepticism. It took eight
years for the government to act, eventually funding the first drilling
operations at Kamojang in 1926.
Despite the promising early discoveries, interest in
Kamojang’s geothermal potential waned by the 1960s. It wasn’t until 1971 that
the Indonesian government, in collaboration with New Zealand, resumed
investigations into Kamojang’s geothermal capabilities. A year later, drilling
commenced with the assistance of Geothermal Energy New Zealand Ltd. By 1979,
ten wells capable of producing electricity had been successfully drilled. This
led to the operation of Indonesia’s first geothermal power plant at Kamojang in
1982, with an initial capacity of 30 MW.
Following this, in 1987, two additional units were brought
online, each producing 55 MW. Today, the three geothermal power units at
Kamojang, managed by PT Indonesia Power Kamojang POMU, continue to operate with
a combined capacity of 140 MW. They supply electricity to the interconnected
grid serving Java, Bali, and Madura.
Indonesia, with its abundant volcanoes, has vast potential
for geothermal energy. However, only 8.9% of the country’s 23,900 MW potential
has been harnessed, according to Kompas.id. The high costs and advanced
technology required for exploration have been significant barriers. Despite
these challenges, PLN, the national electricity company, ensures that the
performance of the Kamojang geothermal plant remains robust, with routine
maintenance carried out every three years.
Environmental conservation is also a priority. PLN, through
its subsidiary Indonesia Power, has taken steps to protect the forests
surrounding the geothermal source. Local communities are empowered to plant
coffee at the foot of Mount Papandayan, an initiative that not only prevents
landslides but also preserves the water resources vital for sustaining
geothermal energy.
Kamojang Crater, with its combination of natural serenity
and industrial activity, stands as a testament to Indonesia’s long journey
toward utilizing geothermal energy. From the early pioneering days of Dutch
researchers to the modern machines that now harness this power, Kamojang Crater
remains a symbol of the immense potential lying beneath the earth’s surface—a
potential that, if fully realized, could transform the future of energy in
Indonesia and beyond.
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