DEMAND AND CAREER
One of the government’s main goals is to strengthen local capacity building. Indonesia aspires to become a center of excellence for the geothermal industry, where local universities provide education and research programs to meet the manpower needs supporting geothermal exploration and development.
According to Freeston & Bolton (1993), geothermal experts from New Zealand estimated that 30–50 personnel per year (geothermal engineers and earth scientists) would be required to support geothermal development of 1,000 MW in Indonesia. Meanwhile, the Indonesian Geothermal Association (API) estimated a higher number, around 70 professionals per year. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), through Letter No. 179/PB/2005, supported the establishment of the Geothermal Master’s Program at ITB and estimated the need for 50–60 personnel per year to support national geothermal development.
Based on this assumption, Indonesia would need at least 120 new geothermal professionals per year to support the development target of 4,733 MW (by 2014). This number excludes the manpower required for conducting preliminary surveys in 163 geothermal prospects and further exploration in 78 additional areas.
More recent data (2024) show that Indonesia’s geothermal sector has created approximately 5,200 direct jobs and 870,000 indirect jobs. With an estimated potential of ~29 GW (29,000 MW), geothermal energy will continue to drive strong demand for skilled workers in engineering, geology, and sustainable energy management.
(Sources: Antara News, EIA.gov, Development Asia)
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Graduates of the Geothermal Master’s Program will find a wide range of career opportunities in both government institutions and the private sector, as well as in academia and research.
Government Institutions:
Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Provincial and Local Government Energy and Mining Offices.
State-Owned Enterprises:
PT PLN (Persero), PT Indonesia Power, PT Geo Dipa Energi.
Geothermal Developers and Operators:
PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy, Chevron Geothermal Indonesia, Star Energy Geothermal (Wayang Windu, Salak, Darajat),
Medco Power Indonesia, Supreme Energy (Muara Laboh, Rantau Dedap), Ormat Technologies, and PT Bali Energi.
Engineering and Service Companies:
PT Thermochem Indonesia, PT Orka Geothermal Indonesia, PT Sumbawa Timur Mining, and other private contractors involved in drilling, reservoir management, and environmental studies.
Emerging Geothermal Areas:
Wilis/Ngebel, Baturaden, Guci, Rawa Dano, Iyang Argopuro, Arjuno Welirang, Rajabasa, Seulawah Agam, Gunung Talang, Sorik Merapi, Danau Ranau, Jaboi, and Sembalun.
Academic and Research Opportunities:
Graduates may also pursue careers as lecturers, researchers, or scientific staff at universities and research institutions in Indonesia or abroad.
Many alumni continue their studies in Doctoral (Ph.D.) programs at leading universities worldwide—particularly in Japan, New Zealand, Europe, and the United States—to advance research in geothermal science, engineering, and sustainable energy development.
Potential Roles:
Geothermal reservoir engineers, exploration geologists/geophysicists, drilling engineers, production and operations engineers, environmental specialists, project managers, policy advisors, technical consultants, lecturers, and researchers in both domestic and international geothermal projects.