Geothermics (i97o) - SPECIALISSUE 2

U. N. Symposiumon the Developmentand Utilization of Geothermal Resources, Pisa x97o. Vol, :, Part I

Geothermal Energy Prospects in South Sulawesi, Indonesia

V. T. RADIA *

"

ABSTRACT

Introduction

The survey of geothermal energy in Indonesia started in 1928, with drilling at Kawah Kamodjang in the
area southeast of Bandung b y ST~HN (1927). Similar
surveys were also carried out by UNESCO and France
in lava between 1965-1968. Up till now, this effort has
been carried out by the Directorate of Geology, Institute of Technology Bandung ( I T B ) a n d the Power Research Institute of the Directorate General of Power
and Electricity.
In 'South Sulawesi, geothermal phenomena are
exhibited by various ~ post volcanic )) indications, intrusions and hot water springs. In the future, this region will need a large amount of electric energy to
process its natural resources (minerals, forest products,
copra), see Figure 1. The geothermal energy scattered
in this area will be very useful for this purpose.
In some areas, the geothermal upwellings have
already been utilized for recreation (Sangala) and the
curing of skin diseases (Pambusuan). It differs from the
phenomena in North Sulawesi in that the geothermal
area in South Sulawesi is not connected with volcanic
activities, but is derived from the intrusion of granite
and its heat to the surface of the Earth (Fggure 2).
geological

background

of the

geothermal

fields

The geology of the south arm of Sulawesi can be

divided into 2 parts (Figure 3):
- - the northern part of South Sulawesi;
- - the southern part of South Sulawesi.
* Institute of Power Research, Jakarta, Indonesia.
136

THE NORTHERNPART OF SOUTH SULAWESI

The Indonesian archipelago is one of the most volcanic

areas of the world, Its geothermal potentials are certainly
large and genetically linked to volcanism. However, until
recent progress in the field of exploration, development and
utilization of natural steam for electric power had not been
made in Indonesia.
By using topographic maps, field observations and existing
literature, this paper presents a preliminary appraisal of the
geothermal potentials in South S u l a w e s i and their geological
conditions, hotsprings, locations, structural controls, classification and prospects. These prospective zones are characterized
by the presence of thermal springs, hydrothermally altered
rocks, fault structures and favorable stratigraphic sections.
For the first stage it is expected that nearly 250 MW
can be generated from 9 geothermal fields. According to the
State Electric Enterprise nearly 36.5 MW are needed in the
near future in South Sulawesi; this is equivalent to the potential of the Masepe or Sulili geothermal source of the region.

The

-:-. . . . .

The topography varies from I00 m (Madjene) to

495 m (Latimodjong Mt). This region extends from
Palu to the~ Sadang river. The geological history, tectonics and evolution of this region can be observed in
Table I.
THE SOUTHERN PART OF SOUTH SULAWESI
The topography varies from 40 m (Tempe Lake)
to 2871 m (Lompobatang Mt), consisting of low plains,
mostly occupied by lakes (Tempe Lake, Sidendreng Lake
and Crocodile Lake). The geological development of
this region can b e seen from Table 2. The survey of
the geothermal field in South Sulawesi is progressing
rapidly owing to the presence of geological phenomena
in this field, which forms the basic data leading to the
discovery of the geothermal energy resources in this
area. Those phenomena are indicated by the existence of:
- - heat manifestation;
- - igneous intrusion;
- - fault structure;

- - cap rock and reservoir rock of sedimentary origin;

- - mineralizatiorr;
- - other energy resources.
Heat mani/estation. The phenomenon which indicates the heat rnanifestation is shown by hot springs.
In various places it is utilized for public bathing and
recreation (Luwu, Tanah Toradja and Polmas). In other
places, there are lime travertines (Masepe'J.
Igneous intrusion. The scattering of granite, francdiorite in this region belongs to the Molenggraf and
Ouarles mountains. The existence of granite intrusions
form the heat sources which give birth to the geothermal
field in South Sulawesi.

Phenomenon o[ the [ault structure. Various systems

of regional_fauhs.obviously exist in this regione (Figure 4):
a) Palu Graben (Fissa Sarasin).
-b) Tawaelia Graben.
c ) ' T h e physiographic boundary between Central
Sulawesi and South Sulawesi, in the direction northeast to south-west, begins at Mandar Bay and passes
through Palopo and Malili to Tomini Bay.
d) The parallel fault on the west coast of Sulawesi. where the hot springs are sometimes located (Pambusuan, Somba).

T,~BLE !. - - Tentative stratigraphy o] the northern part o/ the

south arm o/ Sulawesi (Tae-Toradia lands) (VAI~ BEMMELE~ 1949).
TIME

FORMATION

Quaternary

Alluvial river deposits; elevated reef

limestones and beach deposits of the
Mandar coast

Plio-Pleistocene

Folding and Katmaian dacite-----liparitic eruptions (Karua

Massif and Barupu tufts)
Volcanic activity of potassic (Mediterranean) magma

Young Neogene
Middle Miocene

Unconformity?

TABLE 2. - - Stratigraphy o[ the southern part o/ the south

arm o] Sulawesi (VA~ BEMM~LEN 1949).
Quaternary.

Alluvial deposits. Erosion

Youngest uplift
Formation of marine deposits in the
Tempe depression
Uplift of coral reef near Kadjang and
probably of a large part of north Bone
with the coral reef in that area.
Growth of Lompobatang volcano
Probable formation of a part of the
alkaline effusive rock and of the Kuristone (leucite-tephrite tuff near Makasar)

Upper Tertiary

~-U
n c o n f o r m i t y
Folding and denudation
Deposition of the young Neogene series;
sub continental tuffogene sediments
during the youngest phase, and marine
tuffogene sediments in the older phase,
which comprise also part of the Neogene (sinai Lepidocyclina and Miogyp-

Old Neogene

Limestones of Tertiary age

Oligocene

Main phase of o r o g e n e s i s - - - ~
flsoetinal folding and westward upthrusts in the Latimodjong Mts, followed
by the intrusion of granites and diorites.
such as the Puang granites, Salotim.
bangan diorites and diorite porphyries
and Masupu granites)

Eocene

Partly intensive andesitic volcanic activity on land (Sesean breccias), partly

marine sedimentation (reef-limestones,
downward passing into a paralic series
of crumbly, variegated clay shales, sandstones with plant remains and coalbeds.
conglomerates with radiolarite fragments, sandy and tuffaceous sandstones.

sina)
Total thickness of the Neogene is 3000
m or m o r e
Middle Te.rtiary

Formation of the Mid-Tertiary eruptive

breccias, tuff and lava flows
Thickness of the volcanic formation is
at least I00 m

Lower Tertiary

Formation of the Paleogene limestones

fwith Camerina and Discocyclina in the
lower horizons, and Spiroclypeus and
Lepidocyclina in higher stages)
Continuation of the volcanic activity
Formation of the Eocene coal sandstone
series, beginning of volcanic activity
Basal conglomerate

Pre Tertiary

Folding and denudation

Formation of Young Mesozoic soft gray
shales, graywackes, and arkose sandstones, basal conglomerates with boulders of serpentine and siliceous shale
U n c on f o r m i t y ~
Folding and denudation
Deposition of quartzites and Radiolarian
bearing siliceous shales alternating with
soft red and green shales
Depositions of sediments of unknown
age which have been altered into regional metamorphic crystalline schists
{Gneisses, quartz - mica . epidote glaucophane - garnet - chlorite - hornblende schists, serpentine, marble)
Also dioritic, syenitic, pyroxenitic, and
peridotitic rocks

n co n fo r mit y ~
End of the Mesozoic ~ U
Beginning of the andesite volcanism

Cretaceous

Intra Mesozoic?
Pre-Cretaeeous

Shales, phillitic shales, radiolarian bearing cherts, sandy shales and sandstones,
conglomerates (with quarts and quartzite), gray limestones, with Orbitolina
and Astrarea of. Collurr~Uata Ol't~r~H,
porphyritic rocks, diabases and tuffogene sediments of submarine volcanic
activity
Gabbro and gabbro-dioritie intrusions
in deeper levels.
U n c o n f o r m i t y ~
Crystalline schists, older granites and
gneisses

e) T h e fault beginning from the east of M a s a m b a

to M a k a s a r (the B r o u w e r M e d i a Line).
/) Various facts indicate that the South Sulawesi
region is d i v i d e d into several blocks (tectonic). The
results show that, in several places, the m a g m a gets a
chance to reach the surface. A m o n g those blocks are
the Sadang, T e m p e , Crocodile, S i d e n d r e n g a n d W a l a n a i
depression w h e r e the Sulili a n d M a l a w a g e o t h e r m a l
fields are located (Figure 5).
/) The direction of several rivers are nearly parallel to north-west and south-east, such as the Mapali river, M a m a s a river in Polmas and W a l a n a i river
in W a d j o and Bone.

Existence o~ sedimentary, rocks. T h e scattering of

sediments in this region can be seen in Figure 6. Between M a d j e n e and M a m u d j u , T e r t i a r y sediments are
located r u n n i n g to the north-south. These sediments
consist of limestone a n d sandstone. T h e m e t a m o r p h i c

limestone forms the cap rock or reservoir rock w h e r e

the heat is kept from migrating, thus causing the presence of convection currents. In the southern regions
of South Sulawesi, Neogene sediments are located (sandstone, marl, clay, limestone).

Mineralization. In Pinrang h y d r o t h e r m a l alterations

exist where gold ores are located, they are similar to
those found in south Banten (Tjikotok). In M a s u p u
(Tator) lead (Pb) is located.
Existence o/ other energy resources. The existence
of oil and coal m o r e or less influences the geothermal
conditions in this area (see Figures 7, 8). Such pheno137

mena are similar to those found on the north coast of

lava (PuRBOHADIWlDIOIO 1968) .
The distribution of the geothermal energy resources in South Sulawesi
The geothermal area in South Sulawesi can be classified into 2 groups, which are:

m the southern areas covering: Sulili, Masepe,

Malawa, Tondong and Tatjipi.
the northern areas covering: Parara, Sangala,
Mamasa, Pambusuan and Somba.
The classifications are based on:
the granite distributions appearing in the north,
but not in the south (Figure 9); the structural outlines

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138

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Map of the potential geothermal energy in Indonesia.

(the northern of Sulawesi Orogen, and the southern region of Sunda Orogen) (Figure 10).
THE GEOTHERMALAREA IN SULILI (PINRANG)
Sulili is situated in the Sadang Depression, and
forms a plain extending 600 km2 at an altitude of 17 m
above sea level; it is bordered in the north by the
mountainous regions of B. Lamoro, B. Bobolangit; in
the east by the limestone hills of B. Batuputih, B. Poani
which form a ridge stretching from the north-west to
the south-east of R. Kalepong; in the south by the
mountainous plain stretching from Pare to Rapang.
The geothermal area in Sulili consists of a hot water
lake of 625 m from which steam is continuously issuing.
The origin of this lake is pdssibly related to phreatic
explosions similar to the one which happened in 1926
in the Denakil Depression near the Sodium Salt Dome
in Ethiopia. The thermal manifestation in this region
with a population of 3000 people, is situated 7 km
from Pinrang, and is indicated by hot springs found
in 4 places, forming a line directed to N-10-E, in accordance with the regional fault which runs from the
Sadang river through Masepe, Lake Tempe, to the Tjanrana river in the south (VAN BEMMELEN 1949). In this
region, the phenomena of hydrothermal alteration can
be found, which is shown by the existence of gold

similar to that found in the Tjikotok Gold Mine, south

Banten. The cap rocks and the reservoir rocks, where
the heat source is produced by convection currents, consist of Eocene sediments such as clay, limestone, and
sandstone. Considering that the geothermal potential of
the Sulili region has similar conditions as those in Larderello (Italy), it can be suggested to produce 50 MW
of electric power during the initial stages, which will
satisfy the electricity requirements in the west coast
of South Sulawesi.
THE GEOTHERMAL AREA IN MASEPE (SIDENDRENG)

Masepe, which is part of the regency of Sidendreng,

is situated in the Walanae Depression, and forms a
plain of 1200 km 2 in the west. It is bordered by the
mountainous ridge stretching from Pare to Bonthain
in the east, by L. Tempe and Sidendreng in the north
and is connected to the Sadang Depression. The geothermal area in Masepe covers an area of 40,000 km2.
The thermal manifestation is indicated by the presence of hot springs which appear in 7 places scattered
along the Masepe river and on the left and right side
of the main road Pangkadjene-Sidendreng-Sopeng. The
temperature of the hot springs varies from 46C on
the bank of the Masepe river to 70C in the east of
Masepe village. All hot springs in this region are located
139

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northwest to southeast, in accordance with the regional

fault stretching from the Sadang river through the
geothermal area of Sulili, continuing to Lake Tempe
and ending in the Tjanrana river.
The heat source is possibly related to the intrusion
which lies under the surface (Larderello type). North
of Masepe, stands Mt. Angkola which consists of granite
rocks which are mostly used for the foundations of
automobile roads in the region and also for the construction of hot water fountains. In this area silica deposit is also found, which is rigid, has a homogeneous
texture and can be used as decorative stones, as in Italy,
or as raw material for cement (BATEMAN 1959). Its
favourable geothermic conditions are:
m a structure that allows the heat sources to reach
the surface,
m the existence of reservoir rocks of limestone
and cap rocks consisting of Neogene sedimentation with
an accessible thickness of 3000 m,
140

Geological map.

u a favourable geographic condition with good

communications.
Considering these, it is expected that Masepe will
be the main region of geothermal energy able to cover
the electric energy needs in South Sulawesi in tlae future.
T H E G E O T H E R M A L AREA IN M A L A W A

(PANGKADJENE)

Malawa is situated 10 km north of the automobile

road from Maros to Bone via Tjamba, on the banks of
the Palae river, which is a tributary of the Batuputin
river. The topography of the hot spring area consists of
limestone hills (G. Malempong, G. Batumapalawe), clay,
marl, sandstone and coal seams while Paleogene sediments form the cap rocks and the reservoir rocks. From
the morphology, a fault running N-45-E parallel to the
Batuputih river and Tjamba river can be observed;
through this fault the heat sources reach the surface.
The temperature of the hot water varies from 30C
to 34C. The heat source appearing in this region is

day, this region is still unproductive but, according to

information from the local authority in Sindjai, it is
expected that in the First Five Year Plan of Reconstruction, agricultural production (estates, plantation)
and home industry will be developed, so that plans for
development of electric power is not a new project.
The geothermal energy source in Sindjai is located
in Tondong, about 16 km west of Sindjai, on the Patinggaloang river, and it has been utilized for a public
bath. The thermal manifestation in this region is related
to the hot springs scattered around the river. Here a fault
can be observed parallel to the Patinggaloang river (direction E-W). Marl, clay and sandstone, which represent the Neogene sedimentation, form the cap rocks and
reservoir rocks. They are found in this area and geo-

possibly related to the heat of the magma reaching the

surface.
Malawa, situated in the Telampenua village of the
Tjamba district, is a potential region for home and small
scale industry. This region is a main producer of kemiri
(Aleurites moluccana), in South Sulawesi, besides its rice
production (Maros), and the Tonasa cement factory
which is located in this area. Considering these factors,
cheap electric power needed for the development of
those industries must be considered now, especially the
utilization of geothermal energy in this region.
THE GEOTHERMALAREA IN TONDONG(SINDIAI)
The regency of Sindjai is situated on the east coast
of the South Sulawesi Peninsula, facing Bone Bay. To-

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Fro. 4. m Geological sketch map of Central Celebes (from VAN BEMMELEN 1949, according to data from the publications of ABEND^~TON 1915-18, Rs,r~s'a 1920, KOOLt-~VEN 1932, VON Loczv 1933-34, BRotrw~ 1934, Wn'K^MF 1940). 1) Crystalline schists. 2) Plutonic igneous rocks, gneisses, and schists. 3) Mesozoic rocks. 4a) Tinombo and Maroco Formation (Young Mesozoic. Eocene).
4b) Pompangeo Formation (Young Mesozoic-Eocene). 5) Mixed belt of Peleru. 6) Basic and ultrabasic rocks (ophiolites). 7)
Tertiary of the Palu Zone and the Tawaelia Graben. 8) Celebes molasse and elevated coral reefs o/ the Poso Zone and the
east arm. 9) Plio-Pleistocene Barupu turfs. 10) Quaternary alluvium, unknown, sea, and lakes.

141

thermal p h e n o m e n a can be observed also in the Malaka

and Pangisram village.
The above-mentioned situation assures us that if
electric p o w e r is needed in the future, the geothermal
resources can provide it.

T H E G E O T H E R M A L AREA IN TAT|IPI (BONE)

Tatjipi 16 km west of W a t a m p o n e (capital of the

Bone region), lies on the secondary road to Makasar,
Sindjai and Pompanua, which makes the traffic in Tatjipi rather heavy. On the topographic m a p sheet 34,

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FIG. 5. - - Four schematical sections, illustrating the Tertiary and Quaternary evolution of the southern part <9/ the south arm o~ Celebes (from V^l~ BEMMELEN 1949). 1) Pre-Tertiary basement complex, consisting of crystalline schist and gneisses, and also o/
shales and radiolarian cherts (Cretaceous?). Basic and ultrabasic ophiolitic rocks. 2) Intermediary (andesitic) volcanic rocks o/
Lower-Tertiary age. Eruption centres presumably in the Strait o~ Makassar area. 3) Lower Tertiary sediments (coal) bearing Eo.
cene to Miocene limestones. 4) Middle-Miocene, basalt-andesitic volcanic ]ormation. Eruptions centres in the southern parts o/
the south arm. 5) Young Neogene sediments. 6) Young Neogene volcanism: partly Pacific, partly Mediterranean suites o] intrusions and extrusions. 7) Fleistocene coral reel o! the Spermonde Archipelago and raised coral tee] in the Walanae Depression
and in Bone. A) Granitic rocks, intruded during the Lower Tertiary. B) Granitic rocks intruded during the Upper Tertiary.
C) Granitic rocks intruded during the Quaternary.

142

lithology), the existence of a hot spring is reasonable.

But during the survey conducted in May 1969, not a
single hot spring was found in the area. According to
the local inhabitants, during the period of revolution
those place were closed for recreational purposes.
Through further explorations by drilling, the geothermal conditions may be observed more thoroughly. If
the results of such exploration shows the presence of
natural steam, the east region of the South Sulawesi
Peninsula would be assured of a supply of electric energy in the future.
THE

6.

FJa.

--

1949).

(from VAN

scale 1: 125,000, Hind 628, 5 hot springs can be observed, 2 of which are situated east of the road to Bone/
Pompanua proceeding northwest to southeast; and the
other 3 are situated north of Tatjipi, running northeastsouthwest.
This area is covered by Quaternary reef limestone
and Neogene sediment. Geologically (structure and

I ~

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IN

PARARA

(LUWU)

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F I ~ 7.

AREA

Parara village with a population of nearly 2000

inhabitants, is situated 16 km west of Sabang (between
Palopo and Masamba) on the bank of the Tambelano
river. Geologically, this region lies in the northern part
of South Sulawesi (see Table 1). From Figure 3, we can
observe that Parara is covered by Barufa Tuff (PlioPleistocene), granite intrusions and sediments of the
Palu Zone. The heat manifestation is indicated by hot
springs that erupt at the contact points between granite
and the surrounding sediments. In 3 places, the temperatures are 50"C, 52C, 55"C. In the field, we can
observe a fault parallel to the direction of the Tamelano
river. The fault phenomena, the presence of Barupu Tuff
which can form cap rocks (VAN BEMMELEN 1949), the
scattering of sandstones, limestone of the Palu Zone
(Tertiary) which form the reservoir rock, the existence
of hot springs, indicate a favourable geothermal area.
If it is considered that the Luwu regency, where the
Parara geothermal-area is located, is a region with economic minerals and forest products and is also situated
between South Sulawesi and East/South-East SulawesL
we can imagine that, ih the future, this area could become an industrial and tourist centre in Bone Bay. If
this potential could be utilized, the basis for industrial
development which depends upon the supply of cheap
and plentiful electric energy, would be assured.

Distribution o/ the Tertiary in Celebes

BEMMm.EN

GEOTHERMAL

- Belts with oil possibilities in the East Indies

2 WEST 6UI, IATI~A 6 [ L T

3 S~UTHrr~uiT SUIIDA I L E L J "

4II4~WIk~TIWlIVIO
5 ~/~b'T CIrLDi/J K L T

r ~ o w ~tr~
II~CIIRAIH

Ak

(from V^t4 BEM,~tEL~ 1949").

143

ment for public baths, relaxation and recreation, because of its cool weather. Here the hot springs appear
in 4 places, the temperatures vary from 30C, 38C,
39C to 42C. Barupfi Tuff (ignimbrite) is observed
forming the cap rocks. The geological development can
be observed in the stratigraphie column (see Table 1).
The Mesozoic sediments in this area consist of limestone, quartz sandstone, and graywacke which form the
reservoir rocks where the convection currents from the
heat sources exist.
For future needs and considering Tanah Toradja
geographically, which is located in the heart of South
Sulawesi where there arc no other energy resources (such
as water, coal, oil etc.), the transportation of fuel is difficult, and the development and utilization of the available geothermal energy resources will be a solution to
the problem of electric energy in this region. In the
first phase, the geothermal field located between the
mountanous area G. Wale, G. Bosco, G. Borodare, G.
Pedatun and on the bank of the Sulihan river can be
planned to produce 25 MW supplying power to Makale, Rantepao and vicinity.

I
. _

THE GEOTHERMAL AREA IN MAMASA (POLMAS)

FIG. 8 ~

Coal localities in southwest Celebes (from VAN BEM.

MELEN 1949).

THE GEOTHERMAL AREA IN SANGALA (TANAH TORADJA)

Geologically, Tanah Toradja is divided and split

by tectonic movements. This results in the possibility
of magma bringing the minerals to the surface (mineralization) such as lead (Pb) in Masupu. In addition, the
heat manifestation is indicated by hot springs numbering
almost 90 (VAN BEMMELEN 1949), one of them is located in Sangala.
Sangala is located in the region of Tokesan, 10 km
east of Makale and Rantepao (the main towns in Tanah
Toradja). In the entire South Sulawesi, the hot springs
of this region have been exploited by the local govern144

Mamasa is the most underdeveloped region among

all the districts in South Sulawesi, especially in transportation. The people go to and from the capital of
Polmas (Polewali) by horse, passing the difficult rocky
roads and the steep slopes. The cool weather, opportunities for relaxation, the beatiful view of Polewali
valley and the Madjene coast from Mamasa will be a
main attraction for tourism in the furore. The hot springs
would be suitable for development in this region, and
would provide for electric energy, domestic heating and
for other purposes.
The geothermal phenomenon in Mamasa resembles
the conditions of the geothermal area in Parara (Luwu)
Tomini Bay where a granite intrusion has been found
to be the heat source, the sediment of Palu Zone that
forms the cap rock and the reservoir rock (it can clearly
be observed on the road between Polewali and Mamasa)
and also the presence of the hot springs in the Mamasa
river. All this 'indicates potential geothermal energy in
the northern inland part of South Sulawesi..Among the
6 hot springs those in Bintukasisi and Rantekunita have
a temperature of 60C, while the others are 40C and
have been exploited for public bathing purposes.
THE GEOTHERMALAREA IN PAMBUSUAN (POLMAS)
Pambasuan is located on the beach of Mandar Bay
in the district of Tjampalagia and is included in the
region suffering from the catastrophe of Madjene in
1967 and 1969. The temperature of the hot springs here
reaches 40C. This place is used for curative purposes.
That this region has many times been affected by tectonics can be observed from the morphology that changes

suddenly, through the hot temperature of the beachsand

and the many hot springs in this area. In the vicinity
of Pambusuan we can observe Quaternary coral limestone, while north of it can be discovered the Palu
Zone sedimentation. All of them are good cap rock.
Near the hot spring of Pambusuan we can see the presence of a fault running east-west; there is a great possibility that the heat sources which reach the surface
in this region are connected with that fault. Such an
opinion had been suggested by VAN BEMMELEN, especially in relation to the beach sand of Mandar Bay, which
is always hot. For the future of this copra-producing
region in Mandar Bay, the existing geothermal energy in
the area must be fully utilized.

THE GEOTHERMALAREA IN SOMBA(MANDAR)

The geothermal condition in this area is indicated
by the existence of heat sources (granite intrusion), the
sediment forming the cap rock (Palu Zone) and the
fault running north-south (VAN BEMMELEN 1949) which
enables the heat to reach the surface. For the future development of electricity, this potential must be studied
more thoroughly.
Electricity from geothermal energy

The State Electricity Enterprise (Exploitation IV) as

the responsible agency in this region, is not yet able
to satisfy the total needs of electric energy.

,%

I~'~}

Gr, nodiorit,

GneiSs0 e t c .

FIG. 9. - - Schematic map illustrating the separated occurrences of grano-dioritic and gabbro-peridotitic rocks in Celebes ( f r o m VAN
B~blMmL~N 1949). Line A - B: approximate eastern boundary of the glaucophanitic metamorphism in Central Celebes.

145

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According to the electricity development plan of

South Sulawesi, PLN plans to raise the electric capacity to 36.5 MW, consisting of a 15 MW Diesel Electric
Power Plant (PLTD), and a Steam Power Plan (PLTU)
in Makassar with a capacity of 2 12.5 MW (one of
its units is expected to be in operation in the beginning
of 1970 (Figure 11), while the home industries use their
own electric power generators. Under such conditions
the industrial development would be retarded. That is
why future possibilities must be surveyed from now on.
In this connection, energy resources with dependable

3) Priority on the use of other energy resources

(natural gas, oil, coal), for export to earn foreign currency (oil) and as raw material for chemical industries
(coal). The results of pre-war surveys show that the
esistence of such energy resources in South Sulawesi
have not yet been approved (VAN BEMMELEN 1949),
SO that survey and intensive research on the geothermal
potency is not excessive.
4) Facts on field observation show that the geological and thermal conditions of the geothermal fields
in South Sulawesi, which are produced by intrusion of
magma to the surface, are of great potential compared
with the geothermal fields of Larderello (Italy), The
Geysers (USA) and others.
5) Developments in the exploitation of geothermal
energy from year to year show that the operating geothermal power stations in the world have possibilities
for further development, so that the demand on electric
energy can always be fulfilled, such as: Larderello geothermal power station (Italy) 1904 (0.5 kW), 1956
(187 MW), 1968 (350 MW); Wairakei geothermal
power station (New Zealand) 1952 (25 M), 1964 (250
MW); Matsukawa geothermal power station (Japan)
1968 (20 M), 1970 (60 MW) (AzuMA KAKO C. Ltd.
1968). The Geysers geothermal power (USA) 1921 (25
MW), 1968 (58 MW); Balsjebania geothermal power
station (USSR) 1968 (20 MW) with is development
planning.

10.
axll.

FtG. 11. m Electricity development plan of the South Sulawesi.

potentials for cheap electric energy in South Sulawesi
i.e., geothermal energy (TEIT~I.BAUN 1963), must be
taken into account and properly explored.
In planning to utilize the geothermal energy in
South Sulawesi, different information, considerations and
data should be taken into account:
1) According to the prognostic study on electric
energy that will be conducted by 1980, the electric energy
in lava will be raised to 2000 MW, so that a great
advance in.the realization of developments should be
carried to meet this demand. In fulfilling such a large
demand for electric energy economically, an electric
power plant with a capacity of more than 100 MW
should be built, while in regions outside Java, electric
power stations of less than 100 MW (Husm 1968)
capacity will be needed.
2~ Lack of survey data on hydro power, and the
high investment capital for Hydro Power Stations
(PLTA) makes it more profitable to introduce other nonconventional energy sources (HUsNI 1968), including
geothermal energy.

6) The determination of the utilization period of

a geothermal field is still a difficult problem. But it
does not mean that its longevity cannot be predicted.
LEAP.DINI and TONGIORGI (1968) concluded that the
exploitation of a geothermal power station (PLTD) is
more economical if the initial capacity does not exceed
15-20 MW and the steam pressure from the drilling
hole should be adjusted to 5 bar (70 psi) (lAMeS 1968).
Numerous experts on geophysics and geochemistry dare
to conclude that a steam field is not easily depleted, in
other words, that it will last for a long time or indefinitely (lAMES 1968).
7) Considering the industrial development and conditions prevailing in South Sulawesi today, the early
exploitation of the geothermal field for domestic and
industrial use will be sufficient if it resembles the capacity in several industrial towns in Japan; by 20 MW,
13 MW, 10 MW, the demand on electric energy for
the industrial towns of Matsukawa, Otake, Onikobe are
fulfilled (lapan Geothermal Energy Association 1968).
8) EURAFREP, a French oil mining enterprise with
experience in the exploration and exploitation of geothermal energy in various countries of the world, after
its observation in Dieng Plateau, Wonosobo, Central
lava, November 1968, planned the first phase of 10
drilling holes to get natural steam which could produce
electric power of 50 MW, by which the present needs
147

i MABAMBA

25 MW

PAO

PALOPO

SANGALA
SOMBA

MADJENE

ENREKANG

GULF
OF
MANDAR,

50 MW
PINRANG

[]

PLANS

OF GEOTHERMAL

POWER

STATIONS

SIWA

SUPPLY OF ELECTRIC ENERGY

'~

PROSPECT OF E X P E ~ E O
POTENTIAL
GEOTHERMAL ENERGY ZONE

PAl
,SEENGKANG

~TENTIAL

~+
++

GEOTHERMAL

ENERGY

ZONE

~a

V I L

TATJIPI AREA HAS 5 HOT SPRINGS ACCOROING

TO M A R BUT HAVE NOT BEEN OBSERVED ON
FIELD SURVEY

PLANNING

OF

GEOTHERMAL

\
bPONE

POWER STATIONS
| []

TONDONG

--

2[]

MASSEPE

-- SIDENRENG

31-I

SULILI

4 ~]

MALAWA

5 r'l

SANGALA

-- TANAHTORADJA

6[]

PRA

- LUWU

PAMBUSUAN

POLMAS

8 []

MAMASA

POLMAS

9 I"1

SOMBA

MANDAR

TATJIP'

--

"O.E

10:;:,'.:

0
t

SINDJAI

PINRANG
PANGKAOJENE

5
l

10 km
I

['.,

48

12. ---

"RAITS

Map o/ electricity planning by geothermal power in South $ulawesi.

for electric energy in Central lava could be satisfied.

From the comparative study and the correlation between
geothermal data and geothermal history, the probability
of developing and exploiting the geothermal fields in
South Sulawesi is not impossible. Considering the technical, economical and geographic conditions given above.
it would not be an overestimation, if the potential of
the geothermal fields was assessed as developing in the
beginning with the following capacities each (Figure 12):
Sulili geothermal power station (Pinrang) . . . .
Masepe
~
~

(Sidendreng)
Malawa
~
~
(Pangkadjene)
(Sindjai) . . . .
Tondong ~

Sangala
)

)
(Tanah Toradja)
(Luwu) . . . .
Parara
~

)
Mamasa
~

=
(Polmas) . . . .
Somba
J

(Mandar) . . . .
(Polmas) . . . .
Pambusuan
)
)
Total amount:

50 MW
50 MW
25 MW
25 MW
25 MW
25 MW
25 MW
15 MW
10 MW
250 MW

If the plan to meet the demand for electric energy

in South Sulawesi (36.5 MW) is directed toward the
utilization of geothermal energy, just one geothermal
power station (PLTP) could cover the needs. Considering the geothermhl factors, the scattered positions of
the inhabitated towns, the home industries and the
minerals, the choice of Masepe geothermal power station
or Sulili geothermal power station with a 50 MW capacity is an alternative which is able to hit the target.
For further electricity development in the future in this
region, the above probabilities are to be taken into
consideration.
Conclusion

In the future, a large amount of electric energy will

be needed in South Sulawesi, considering the natural
resources (the minerals, forest-products, home industry)
which need energy to be processed and exploited on a
commercial basis.
Besides hydro-power as the main ener~ resource,
potential geothermal energy shows a bright prospect
for the production of electric energy in South Sulawesi
today and can be expected to form the backbone in
developing electricity for industrialization.
The geothermal energy resources in South S.ulawesi
are not related to the actively volcanic phenomena as

in North Sulawesi, but they are due to the intrusion

of magma to the surface of the Earth.
Geothermal conditions that indicate a good prospect
for geothermal power are: the presence of a heat source
(intrusion) manifested through hot springs; hydro-thermal alteration (mineralisation); fault structure that divides the region into blocks and the discovery of sediments which form an ideal cap rock and reservoir rock.
If in the near future the need for electric energy
in South Sulawesi is great enough, it will require the
addition of other energy resources; from the comparative
preliminary data obtained, only 9 geothermal power
stations (PLTP) would produce a capacity of 250 MW.
According to the 1968 plan of the State Electricity
Enterprise (PLN) to raise the capacity of electric energy
in South Sulawesi up to "_,6.5 MW, one geothermal
power station (PLTP), would be needed if the energy.
is to be supplied by the geothermal resources. The
Masepe or Sulili geothermal power station with an
initial capacity of 50 MW each could fulfil that need.
By considering the possibilities of development in
Inuonesia, it is suggested that in the future research,
exploration and an inventory of all conventional energy
resources and non-conventional ones, including geothermal energy, must he activated, especially for such regions as South Sulawesi with its great industrial potential.
REFERENCES
AZUMA KAKOC. La'~ 1968 - - Matsukawa Electric Power Station
by the Utilization Geothermal Energy. ]apan Geothermal
Energy Ass.

BATEMANA. M. 1959 - - Economic mineral deposits, John Wiley

& Sons, New York.

BEMMELENYON R. W. 1949 ~ The geology of Indonesia, I A:

General geology. Government Printing O//ice, The Hague.
Husm A. M. 1968 ~ Tenaga nuklir dalam perantjangan ketenagaan di Indonesia, Panitia Seminar Terbatas Tenaga
Nuklir Dit. Djen. Gatrik & Batan.

JAMES R. 1968 ~ Geothermal power supply. Energy International. 5.

lAMes R. 1968 - - Wairake:. and Larderello geothermal power

systems
compared.
JAPAN CrFX)TFIERMALENERGY ASS. 1968 - - Development and
utilization of geothermal energy in lapan.
LEAaalt~ T., TONCiORGIE. 1968 - - Utilization of Geothermal
Enery in Italy. World Power Conf. Moscow.
PURI~tH&I)I~k,'IDJOJOM. M. 1968 - - Mineral springs of lava,
Indonesia. Contr. Dep. Geol., Inst. Teehnol. Bandung, 67.
Sa'En~ C. E. 1927 - - Kawah Kamodjang. Bull. Neth. East Indian volcan. Surv.. 1.

TEITELBAUM "P. D. 1963 - - Energy cost comparison. U.N.

Con]. Appl. Sci. Teehnol. Less Developed Countries.

149