Breakthrough in Geothermal-Based Environmental Conservation in Dieng Plateau, Central Java: An Inspiration from Parikan Sulasih-Sulanjana

utami, Pri and Martien, Rony and Budhijanto, Wiratni and Aryandari, Citra (2022) Breakthrough in Geothermal-Based Environmental Conservation in Dieng Plateau, Central Java: An Inspiration from Parikan Sulasih-Sulanjana. Direktorat Pembinaan Tenaga dan Lembaga Kebudayaan Kementerian Pendidikan, Kebudayaan, Riset, dan Teknologi, Jakarta. ISBN ISSN 2747-1802

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Abstract

The Dieng Plateau (2,093 m asl), is a Quaternary volcanic complex in Central Java rich in natural resources such as beautiful landscapes, fertile soil, abundant water, rocks and minerals, and geothermal energy. It is not surprising therefore, that the plateau has been one of the cradles of civilization in Nusantara. One of its intangible heritages is a wisdom in utilizing natural resources. It is outlined in the parikan (verses) of Sulasih-Sulanjana folksong which accompanies the Lengger Topeng Wonosobo dance. We apprehend that “the smoke of white myrrh that summons the gods” in the opening verse of the folksong as the manifestation of geothermal, the Earth’s internal heat energy that can be the enabler for sustainable development in Dieng. The following stanzas describe that, that in order to get abundant harvest the farmers must continue learning and applying appropriate knowledge. The folksong teaches us to innovate in utilizing Earth’s resources provided by Sulasih (Mother Earth) and guarded by Sulanjana (Father Sky). The presence of geothermal energy in the plateau is indicated by steam discharged naturally in the craters. These, have been popular tourist attraction. Electricity is generated by extracting heat from hot water drawn through 1.5 to 2 km-deep wells. Thermal energy is converted into electricity at the geothermal power plants. The hot water whose heat has been extracted is re-injected into the Earth. Dieng Plateau currently contributes 55 MW geothermal power to the Java-Bali electricity network. Thermal waters in Dieng contains silica in high concentrations and other constituents as the side-products of electricity generation process. They are considered as waste that threatens the carrying capacity of the environment. In fact, silica and the accompanying elements are needed by plants to increase growth and resistance to pest attacks. We process the silica and other beneficial substances by nano-particulate technology to produce an environmentally friendly liquid fertilizer that is ready to be applied on plantations in Dieng. The manufacture of natural fertilizer from geothermal “waste” is a breakthrough in environmental conservation. It can significantly reduce the use of manure of unpleasant odor, and the exposure chemical pesticides which endanger human health in the long run. As implied in the Sulasih-Sulanjana folksong, knowledge could, in this case, turn the wasted silica into the savior of the over-exploited land, by enhancing the natural soil microorganisms to restore the ecological balance. This local culture-inspired action will potentially become a driving force for sustainability-oriented community welfare in the Dieng Plateau. Keywords: Dieng, geothermal, silika, environmental conservation, Sulasih-Sulanjana

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