First Gen, Sinar Mas units form JV for Indonesia’s geothermal push

PT DSSR Daya Mas Sakti (DSSR), a subsidiary of PT Dian Swastatika Sentosa Tbk (DSSA) under the Sinar Mas Group, has signed an agreement to form a joint venture with PT FirstGen Geothermal Indonesia, a subsidiary of the Philippines’ Energy Development Corp. (EDC).

EDC is a subsidiary of First Gen Corp. and the Philippines’ largest renewable energy producer. 

The joint venture aims to unlock Indonesia’s vast geothermal reserves by transferring expertise, building local capacity, and accelerating renewable energy development in support of the country’s energy transition agenda.

Federico Lopez, chair and CEO of First Gen Corp. and Energy Development Corp., receives a memento from Frankie Oesman Widjaja, chair of PTDian Swastatika Sentosa Tbk (DSSA), to mark the partnership between both companies to jointly explore the development of about 400MW of geothermal energy in Indonesia. The agreement was signed  on Aug. 26, 2025 in Jakarta, Indonesia./ Photo from First Gen

Why it matters: 

Indonesia holds around 40 percent of the world’s geothermal reserves—about 24 gigawatts—but only 10 percent has been tapped. The collaboration seeks to boost national energy security and provide a long-term clean power source.

By the numbers:

  • The JV will develop and manage geothermal resources with a combined potential of 440 MW.

  • Projects will span six fields across West Java, Flores, Jambi, West Sumatra, and Central Sulawesi.

What they’re saying:

“This agreement goes beyond investment. It is a strategic collaboration to bring world-class knowledge and best practices from EDC to Indonesia. Our goal is to strengthen national capacity in geothermal development and to fully harness the country’s natural potential for clean energy,” said Lokita Prasetya, president director of DSSR.

EDC executives echoed the long-term commitment to knowledge-sharing.

“EDC has decades of experience in harnessing geothermal energy in the Philippines, and we are proud to share this expertise with Indonesia through our partnership with DSSR,” said Francis Giles B. Puno, vice-chair and CEO of EDC, and President & COO of First Gen. 

“By combining EDC’s global capabilities with DSSR’s strong local presence, this joint venture will not only develop projects, but also build capacity and transfer knowledge that will leave a lasting impact.”

Context: 

EDC is recognized as the world’s largest vertically integrated geothermal company. This collaboration allows it to export its geothermal know-how to one of the world’s most resource-rich countries for renewables.

The bigger picture: 

The venture supports Indonesia’s strategy to speed up its energy transition and reach net-zero emissions by 2060. For both DSSR and EDC, the partnership demonstrates a commitment to deliver clean, reliable power while creating long-term value for communities and the economy.

The bottom line: 

By pooling global expertise and local presence, DSSR and EDC aim to accelerate geothermal growth in Indonesia, contributing to the government’s Golden Indonesia 2045 vision of a resilient, sovereign, and sustainable nation. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma

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