Astra Eyes Tourism Spot Through Geothermal Business Expansion

PT Astra International Tbk is exploring opportunities in the geothermal power generation sector. Astra International Director FXL Kesuma said the potential geothermal sites being investigated by the company are likely in high-risk areas but have proven potential.

Kesuma highlighted a major challenge in developing a geothermal business: infrastructure issues. This is because geothermal sites are typically located far from the main centers of electricity demand. "Despite the high infrastructure cost, there is a promising prospect," he said.

Kesuma pointed out that one of the profitable geothermal businesses is Japan, where geothermal operations are combined with tourism. This allows the infrastructure to benefit both the energy and tourism sectors simultaneously.