On Thursday, December 5, 2024, students from the Communication Studies program at Universitas Dian Nusantara (UNDIRA) had the opportunity to participate in a company visit to UBP Kamojang’s Geothermal Power Plant (PLTP) Gunung Salak in Bogor. The Universitas Dian Nusantara delegation was warmly welcomed by the management team of UBP Kamojang PLTP Gunung Salak, who also provided a brief tour of the facility. PLTP Gunung Salak is one of the power generation facilities owned by PT PLN Indonesia Power, a subsidiary of Indonesia’s state-owned enterprise (BUMN) responsible for electricity generation.

In his remarks, Mr. Mulyadi Kusumah, Manager of UBP Kamojang PLTP Gunung Salak, mentioned that the unit has been operational for 30 years. Over this period, the PLTP has successfully supplied electricity to major regions of Java, Madura, and Bali, including the VVIP areas of Bogor, such as the Bogor Presidential Palace.

As one of the power generation facilities under PT PLN Indonesia Power, PLTP Gunung Salak is tasked with ensuring a stable and high-quality electricity supply to meet residential, industrial, and commercial demands. Beyond its primary role as a national electricity supplier, PT PLN Indonesia Power collaborates with the Indonesian government to implement various programs that benefit local communities.

Mr. Mulyadi further explained that, in addition to being the largest energy supplier in Java, UBP Kamojang PLTP Gunung Salak actively participates in the Indonesian government’s energy self-sufficiency programs. The unit has also passed the PROPER assessment conducted by the Ministry of Environment, earning the prestigious Gold PROPER Award, signifying its excellence in managing environmental impacts resulting from industrial operations and its efforts to improve the welfare of surrounding communities.

During the design and construction phases, the PLTP Gunung Salak team conducted extensive research and quality control to evaluate the potential geothermal energy capacity available and the operational impact on the environment and nearby residents. Regular and meticulous safety inspections are conducted to ensure the reliability of its systems and operations.

As part of its community empowerment program, PLTP Gunung Salak engages in community relations and CSR activities by establishing village development programs in Desa Pulosari and Desa Kamojang. One of the initiatives involves processing livestock waste into organic fertilizers and biogas through a Biodigester system, which can then be used for lighting and cooking needs. This program aims to empower local communities while contributing to ecosystem restoration. Furthermore, the success of this CSR program has the potential to be implemented in other villages facing environmental challenges, such as livestock waste pollution and high fertilizer costs that burden farmers.

Mr. Mulyadi also noted that, in addition to PT PLN's internal recruitment managed by BUMN, there are job opportunities for students and the general public, particularly in the Tenaga Ahli Daya (TAD) sector.

This company visit was attended by over 30 Communication Studies students. Additionally, four Communication Studies students from UNDIRA were given an opportunity to participate in a practicum or internship at PT PLN Indonesia Power’s PLTP Gunung Salak unit, specifically focusing on CSR programs in Desa Pulosari. Mr. Mulyadi emphasized that various work programs are available, and internship or employment opportunities at PLTP Gunung Salak are not limited to engineering students.

Several UNDIRA students positively welcomed this openness and expressed their hopes following the company visit. They were enthusiastic that the visit would open opportunities for all UNDIRA students, allowing them to not only intern or work in their field of study but also explore new areas and hone skills beyond their academic focus. This aligns with the Merdeka Belajar curriculum initiative introduced by the Indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture.