The Issue
Mount Ungaran is an essential ecological backbone for Semarang and surrounding areas in Central Java. Plans to develop a geothermal power project on the slopes of Mount Ungaran threaten to irreversibly damage the delicate balance of this natural ecosystem, local livelihoods, and cultural heritage.
While renewable energy is vital, the location chosen for this project poses extreme risks:
Threats to Clean Water Resources: Mount Ungaran acts as a vital water catchment area, supplying clean water to hundreds of thousands of residents in Semarang Regency and City. Industrial drilling and geothermal activities risk disrupting natural springs, lowering groundwater tables, and contaminating vital water supplies with heavy metals and toxic chemicals.
Deforestation and Landslide Risks: The slopes of Mount Ungaran are steep and prone to landslides. Clearing forested areas for drilling pads, roads, and heavy infrastructure weakens root structures, greatly increasing the risk of catastrophic landslides and flash floods for surrounding villages.
Loss of Biodiversity and Forest Ecosystems: Mount Ungaran's remaining natural forests are home to protected flora and fauna, including rare bird species and endemic wildlife. Drilling operations will fragment wildlife habitats and disrupt the local biodiversity.
Cultural and Historical Sacredness: For generations, Mount Ungaran has held deep cultural, spiritual, and historical significance for local indigenous and rural communities. Transforming these lands into an industrial energy zone undermines community rights and cultural heritage.
Our Demand & Call to Action
We call on the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), the Central Java Provincial Government, and local authorities to immediately:
Cancel the Geothermal Exploration and Exploitation Permits on Mount Ungaran.
Protect Mount Ungaran as a Priority Conservation & Water Catchment Zone, ensuring long-term ecological security for future generations.
Respect Local Community Rights by prioritizing the voices, livelihoods, and consent of the communities living around the mountain.
Shift Focus to Truly Low-Impact Renewable Energy, prioritizing projects that do not destroy vital forest ecosystems or water sources.
Sign the Petition
Please sign and share this petition today. Stand with local communities and help us protect Mount Ungaran’s water, forests, and future before it is too late!
