SARULLA GEOTHERMAL FIELD

The Report Summary

Intended for Assignment of Introduction of Energy Exploration and Production

Arranged by Group 7
A.Muhammad Athallah Naufal 101319027 Dept. of Petroleum Engineering
Nadia Samudera 101119006 Dept. of Geophysical Engineering
Evalyn Geraldin Mesah 101119031 Dept. of Geophysical Engineering
Muhammad Rafif Athallah 101119053 Dept. of Geophysical Engineering
Arihon Siahaan 101319004 Dept. of Petroleum Engineering
Nida Salsabilla 101319051 Dept. of Petroleum Engineering
Muhammad Sayyid Anwar 101319074 Dept. of Petroleum Engineering
Nadya Aisha R 101319101 Dept. of Petroleum Engineering
Muhammad Aditya Revaldo 101319128 Dept. of Petroleum Engineering
Ali Assegaff 101218109 Dept. of Geological Engineering
Ismail Suny Pardede 101219002 Dept. of Geological Engineering
Luqman Abdul Hakim 101219022 Dept. of Geological Engineering
Muhammad Reyhan Al-Ghiffari 101219046 Dept. of Geological Engineering
Inadha Davina Ramadhan 101219074 Dept. of Geological Engineering
Rizkiya Hamni Lubis 101219103 Dept. of Geological Engineering

FACULTY OF EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY

UNIVERSITAS PERTAMINA
2020
1. Abstract
Geothermal energy is one of the potential future energies to be developed in Indonesia. This is
based on the geographical location of Indonesia through which the ring of fire passes, so there
is a lot of thermal potential as a heat source for energy needs. One of the massively developed
geothermal fields is the Sarulla Field. In fact, geothermal exploitation in this place is predicted
to be the largest in the world, with a potential of 330 MW. Sarulla geothermal system is located
in the north western part of Sumatra Island. This part is an activated area due to volcanic and
tectonic activity. It caused the presence of four systems in the area which have the big potential.
Furthermore, the geomagnetic's interpretation shows anomalies which indicates the presents of
geothermal system, such as the reservoir characteristic with it's permeability properties and cap
rocks. The presence of all geothermal systems indicates The Sarulla Field has the big potential
as geothermal energy supply.

2. Introduction
As time goes by, people's energy needs are getting bigger. Energy is an essential entity
needed so that humans can carry out their daily activities. Without the existence of energy, all
human activities cannot be carried out, such as for transportation needs, infrastructure
development, and others. Indonesia as a research country has a very large population, which is
followed by a large amount of daily energy needs. In addition, Indonesia has a strategic
geographical location so that it has the potential for unique and abundant natural resources.

Geographically, Indonesia is in the area of the Pacific Ring of Fire or the Pacific Ring of
Fire, which is the meeting point for the three tectonic plates of the world, such as the Indo-
Austalia Plate, Eurasian Plate and Pacific Plate. Therefore, Indonesia is a country prone to
disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis. However, these characteristics
bring positive blessings for Indonesia, where there are many geothermal sources from the
existence of volcanoes.

One of the geothermal energy sources that has major development in Indonesia is the Sarulla
Geothermal Field (330 MW) located in North Tapanuli District, Pahae Jae Subdistrict, located
in Silangkitang Village and Namora Village. Geographically this subdistrict is in position 10
20'- 20 41 'North Latitude and 980 05'- 990 16' East longitude which is an area with potential
for promising Natural Resources. This area is interesting for exploration, to see rock type
beneath its surface. Through this report summary, the researchers will present information on
the main topic of the Sarulla Field geothermal system, which will be followed by the discovery
history, geological characteristics and geophysical studies.

3. Methodology
In compiling this summary report, the researchers used the literary review method on related
scientific papers on the Sarulla Field, which discusses the historical and development side,
geological aspects and the determination of the geothermal system, and geophysical studies
that are specialized in magnetic methods. Compilation of the report starts on 18-27 October
2020.

4. Result and Discussion

4.1 Introduction on Sarulla Field: History and Development
The Sarulla geothermal field is located in the North Tapanuli district, North Sumatra
Province, Indonesia. The development of these geothermal resources began with initial
exploration by Pertamina, the discovery of resources by Unocal, and closing commercial costs
by SOL (Sarulla Operation Ltd). In general, the historical timeline and development of the
Sarulla Field are presented as follows.

New era of
Game changer
geothermal
Resource Commercial for geothermal
Early exploration energy converter
discovery renegotiation development in
technology in
Indonesia
Indonesia

Fig (1). The Timeline of History and Development of Sarulla Field

Souce: Group 7’s Infographic
Specifically, the timeline of the history and development of the Sarulla Field is as follows.
a. Early Exploration
The first systematic exploration studies of the Sarulla geothermal field were conducted
during the second half of the 1980s by PERTAMINA. PERTAMINA geothermal group began
their activities in 1987 with the reconnaissance and exploration of prospects in Sumatra, and
recognized the broad Sarulla area as one of the several attractive prospects for geothermal
development. The exploration program identified several high-temperature prospects in the
greater Sarulla area, in a tectonic graben associated with strands of the Great Sumatra Fault
Zone.
b. Resources Discovery
More extensive exploration of the Sarulla prospect begun in early 1990s, immediately after
the government issued Decree 45/1991, which provided more flexibility to PERTAMINA,
along with the contractor, to develop geothermal energy in Indonesia and then sell it either in
the form of steam or electricity to the State Electric Company, PLN also having established an
operating geothermal field in Salak, negotiated a JOC and Energy Sales Contract (ESC) for
Sarulla with PERTAMINA and with PLN, respectively. In February of 1993 Unocal,
PERTAMINA and PLN signed a JOC and ESC to explore for, and produce geothermal power
from, the Sarulla contract area as a contractor to PERTAMINA while the ESC states the terms
under which the geothermal power is to be purchased by PLN. The contract area is located
within the Sumatra volcanic arc and along the active Great Sumatra Fault System (GSF).
Exploration began involving extensive field geologic and geophysical surveys in 1993 and
1994. The geologic mapping consisted of 8 months of fieldwork and analysis of 280
geochemistry samples, as well as geophysics data from 720 gravity stations, 500 Time-domain
electromagnetic (TDEM) stations, and 240 Magnetotelluric (MT) stations also Unocal drilled
a total of 13 deep exploration wells between 1994 and 1998, so they discovering a total of 330
MV of commercial geothermal resources.

c. Commercial Renegotiations.
The Asian financial crisis that hit Indonesia postponed the Sarulla project, Unocal continued
to complete the resource feasibility study, and submitted a Notification of Reserve
Confirmation to PERTAMINA in 2000, Unocal finally agreed to pull out from the Sarulla
project in the third quarter of 2003, and sold its interests and rights to develop to PLN for $60
million. In 2004, PLN opened an Independent Power Producers (IPP) bidding process for the
Sarulla development rights, and in 2006 the Medco-Ormat-Itochu Consortium the tender to
develop the project and Kyushu Electric Power Co Inc. joined the consortium in 2007.
Sarulla Operation Limited (SOL) as the operating company for steam resource development,
and construction and operation of plant facilities under the framework of a Joint Operating
Contract (JOC) with the concession holder, PERTAMINA Geothermal Energy (PGE), a
subsidiary of PT PERTAMINA in April 2013. On March 28, 2014, the Consortium signed the
financing agreements with a syndicate comprised of the Japanese Bank for International
Cooperation (JBIC) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) plus six commercial lenders.

Fig (2). Sarulla Project Structure

Souce: Asian Development Bank

d. New Era of Geothermal Energy Converter Technology in Indonesia.

The Sarulla Operations Limited (SOL) has formally given notice of its intention to develop
a geothermal power plant of approximately 330 MW capacity in the Sarulla Contract Area. the
project will be constructed in three phases of 110 MW each, starting with the 110 MW
Silangkitang Plant development, scheduled to be completed by the end of 2016. The plant for
the Silangkitang and Namora-I-Langit resource thermodynamics and fluid characteristics will
use Ormat's Integrated Geothermal Combined Cycle Power Plant (IGCC) technology because
of more efficiency in well established at other high-enthalpy geothermal fields worldwide. The
IGCC technology utilizes separated brine, producing more power from the same amount of
fluid extracted from the reservoir than conventional financing for the Sarulla project meant
that the bankability depended on a detailed reserve analysis and thorough due diligence flash
plants. The power from Silangkitang will be transmitted to a substation at Namora-I via a 20km
long, 150kV transmission line.
e. Game changer for geothermal development in Indonesia.
The Sarulla Geothermal Power Project will be the largest geothermal construction project
in Indonesia, double the previous Salak 165 MW expansion project constructed more than 15
years ago. The Sarulla Project took an alternative approach by financing all three separate
power generating units as an integrated whole, different from many other geothermal projects
that are typically financed on a unit-by-unit basis due to the need to “prove up” the project’s
reserves. the Sarulla project meant that the bankability depended on a detailed reserve analysis
and thorough due diligence reports provided by Lenders’ independent consultants.

4.2 Geological Properties in Sarulla Field

In carrying out exploration and production analysis activities, an engineer needs to identify
the physical geological characteristics to support an optimal and right-on-target process. The
following is an explanation of the geological aspects of the Sarulla Field.

A. Introduction: Geological Analysis of Sarulla Field

Sarulla geothermal system is located in the north western part of Sumatera Island. This
part is an activated area due to volcanic and tectonic activity. It is caused by oblique subduction
of Indo-Australian plate beneath Eurasian plate that moved 60-75mm/y and created partial
melting, and magma from the partial melting will be rising up to the surface of earth in the
Barisan Mountain.
Therefore it created many active volcanoes that are possible to make a geothermal system,
one of those is the Sarulla Geothermal system. This system is associated with Sumatera Fault
System (SFM) (Fig. 3) in Tor Sibohi Fault, cause of it the geothermal potency would be from
North to the South ( from Namora-I-Langit until Sibual-buali Volcano) (Fig.4).
 Fig.3: The movement and effect of oblique Fig.4: The movement and effect of oblique
Subduction of Indo-Australian Plate Subduction of Indo-Australian Plate
beneath Eurasian Plate.) Source: Hickman beneath Eurasian Plate.) Source: Hickman
R.G., etc., 2016) R.G., etc., 2016

There are stages of geological survey exploration, namely the mapping process which
includes lithology mapping, alteration processes, structural geology and placement, sampling
and analysis of 280 samples. After the exploration survey was carried out, Unocal has drilled
a total of 13 deep exploration wells scattered in the Namora-I-Langit, Silangkitang and
Sibualbuali fields. In Namora-I-Langit there are four wells being drilled and all of them are
very productive, meet many people and have a high permeability distribution which is not
directly controlled by the Great Sumatra Fault. The wells all produce fluids with temperatures
in excess of 260 ° C, with a maximum rated temperature of 276 ° C.
B. The Presence of Manifestation in Sarulla Field
The presence of manifestations is very important in determining the potential for geothermal
energy. The manifestation of geothermal energy is formed due to a unique geological process
in the formation of geothermal sources. Manifestation is a surface symptom that can indicate
geothermal potential in the area, indicating that the hydrothermal fluid has come out through
the openings in the area.
Geographically, Sarulla Field is in an area of Sumatra which has tectonic activity,
characterized by the discovery of faults in the area. Manifestations of the geothermal system in
the area are fumarole, hot spring, and caldera. In explaining the manifestation of geothermal
sources in the Sarulla Field, we share the explanation in four forms of geothermal systems that
represent great energy potential.
The first manifestation can be seen in the Sibualbuali System. At Sibualbuali volcano, 19
areas of fumaroles, mud pots, and other acid-sulfate thermal features are distributed over an
area of about 45 km2, mainly along faults of the Sumatra fault system. The second
manifestation can be seen in the Donatasik System. At this system, gas seeps and fumaroles
occur east of the valley and within the Hopong caldera. The spring waters are generally similar
to spring waters in the Silangkitang area, but have higher magnesium content and have
equilibrated at lower temperatures.
The third system is the Silangkitang System, where there is a series of hot springs and
fumaroles is located along the margin of the Sarulla graben, near the village of Silangkitang in
the central part of the Sarulla contract area. The last system is Namora-I-Langit. The Namora-
I-Langit volcanic complex consists of two broad coalescent volcanoes made up of andesitic to
rhyolitic lavas and tuffs dated at 0.75–0.16 Ma. Associated with this complex is an extensive
array of surface thermal features comprised primarily of fumaroles and acid sulfate springs,
but also including neutral chloride–sulfate–bicarbonate hot springs, gas seeps, and numerous
warm bicarbonate springs covering an area of about 30 km2.
The existence of these manifestations clearly represents the potential of the Sarulla Field
area as an economical area in terms of geothermal energy production. In strengthening the
potential for geothermal energy production, of course, periodic analysis of complex parameters
is needed to predict the regional economy in exploiting it.
 Fig.5: Fumaroles in Sibualbuali Source: Fig.6: Hot Spring in Silangkitang Source:
Pergamon Sarulla Operatons Ltd

C. Lithological Identification in Sarulla Field

The Sumatra Fault System plays an important role in localizing activity of magma
and high flow rate of hydrothermal fluid as seen in present days (Fitch, 1972; Guzman-
speziale and Ni, 1996). The Sumatran Fault System itself consists of northwestward-
moving faults in line with plate edges and in accordance with a model of active strike-slip
fault. Along the Sumatran Fault System, it is found in the extension regime (normal
fault), translation regime (strike-slip fault) and contraction regime (reverse fault) (Davies,
2002). Plate of Sibolga/Padang Sidempuan where the project site is located is a
representation of the fore-arc basin, volcanic arc, back-arc basin, and continental crust.

Several places in the area of study are susceptible to land subsidence because of their loose
lithology of steep slope and very steep slope. The tectonic activity and earthquake,
although on a small scale, frequently happened. These will really trigger the land subsidence.
Zone of stability of the ground motion along the Tarutung-Sepirok can be divided into
4 zones (dir. GTL, 1982), which is based on geological conditions (the physical aspect/ rock,
lithology and geological structure), landscape (slope and shape of the surface), content
water, and soil precipitation, land use, and vegetation cover, namely:

1. Stable zone: This zone trends almost no ground movement, generally in the area nearly
flat (slope 5%) or in the occupied areas hard and compact rocks;
2. Relatively stable zones: the region occupies a little steep - very steep (5 -> 70%) with
the physical condition of the soil having erosion potential. This condition can be
controlled with reforestation, water usage settings, and using dry farming.
Vegetation in this zone is generally good, consisting of forests, forest cover,
reforestation, and plantation areas. Hydrology is in good condition and land
 use is generally dry. Sometimes, debris slides happens on a local and not
widespread, for example on the sides of steep slopes or river basins;
3. Unstable zones: the region occupies a slightly steep to a very steep (15 - 70%); almost
without any vegetation (consisting barren land, scrub, and farming); the use of
slightly damp soil with high water content. Sometimes, indications of the latest
ground movement can be found. New ground movement occurred in several places
and the old ground motion was unstable. If rainfall increases, the ground motion may
occur on a rather broad region;

Ground movement occurs in very diverse dimensions with widths ranging from 3 to
100 meters long and 5 to 120 meters. The most common ground movement occurs
on a steep slope with poor drainage. In addition, the physical nature of the
bedrock slope, weathered soil, and rainfall also affect ground movement. In some
places, the barren land with perennial crops will greatly hinder the development of
ground movement in the study area. Rocks found in the study area mainly consist of rocks
produced from volcano eruption and meta-sedimentary rocks (Map III-2). The rock series from
old to young ages are as follows:

a) Tapanuli group
The Tapanuli group was formed from inseparable sedimentary rock and weakly
metamorphosed rock. This type of rock sediment is very diverse, which is generally immense
(not stratified), sandy, and contains fragments of clastic from a schisst, quartzite, and limestone.
Based on the stratigraphic position and fossil analysis, this group is estimated from the age of
Carbon-Early Permian. Along the east wing of Sarulla Graben and Batang Toru, this Tapanuli
group is difficult to be classified into formations because the rock constituents are generally
pebbly mudstone which is vast, unstratified with classic fragment of schisst, quartzite, vein of
quartz, granite, and limestone. The size of classic fragments might reach > 80 cm with mineral
content and varying rock kinds, generally has color from light bluish grey pale to black. In
addition, this rock often shows the existence of crack with various directions. In several parts,
this massive wacke is still experiencing interbedding with rock from kluet formation. However,
domination of the existence of wacke is more increased to east direction, as found in the area
of study. Whereas weakly metamorphosed rock consists of green schisst and homfels that are
partly found in partition of intrusion and often contains a vein of quartz. Sometimes, this rock
also contains rock kinds that are similar to the kluet formation with more coarse grain and not-
spread metaargillite. In Tarutung road, the Tapanuli group is represented by the kluet
formation, from the age of Late Carbon-Early Permian, which consists of wake volcaniclastic.

b) Toru Volcanic Formation

The formation of Toru volcano that forms the study area is tertiary volcanic sediment. The
rock, which forms this formation are agglomerate andesitic, lava andesitic, breccias, and
rhyodacitic ignimbrite. Andesite sometimes has porphyritic texture with minerals of
plagioclase or pyroxeres. This formation is found on km 11-13 of Tarutung-Sipirok road, with
thickness of weathered soil around 2-4 m. It has clayey sand, high permeability, high porosity,
and loose. Rocks in the centre of Sibualbuali comprise rhyodacitic ignimbrite, rhyolitic vault,
and gap eruption. Based on the position of stratigraphy and period analysis, this rock group is
estimated from Miocene age. This formation is found on the West and East of Sarulla and
Tarutung Graben, which may be very close to centres of eruption. Its exact locations along the
Graben of Sarulla and Tarutung are not known yet.

c) Toba Tuff
Toba Tuff that is found in the area of study generally takes the form of volcanic
sediment. It consists of sandy tuff, crystal tuff, and pumice tuff. Sometimes, insertion
of volcanic breccias is found among the tuffs. In several places, this tuff may contain
quartz and mica. Near the source of hot spring water, it is caolinized very strongly. However,
the lower part of this rock generally is strong, often contains light grey matrix of glass
shard with quartz crystal, biotite, sanidine, hornblende, and plagioclase. It also contains
elements of minor minerals, namely apatite, magnetite, ilmenite, hypersthene, allanite,
and zircon. Ignimbrite is getting finer to south, west, and east. Bemmelen (1939, 1970)
mentioned the existence of late quarter volcanism, which is very wide, varied with the
Barisan Axial Zone. Very wide ignimbrite was formed at the north side that is recognized as
Toba Tuff. Toba Tuff was formed at east and west of Sarulla and Tarutung Graben. It is shown
by the existence of fiamme, the less number of small scale horizontal layers on areas
which have lower reliefs. This indicates that the sedimentation is caused by ash flow (Smith,
1960), which is estimated from Late Pleistocene. The wide aperture is found west of Sarulla
and Tarutung Graben, sometimes separated by existing valleys.

d) Toru Formation
This formation occupies the widest part of the project area. It generally consists of
tuff sand, does not have layers, is relatively soft, and is sometimes silty. The existence
of a diatomae horizon is very general. The Toru formation has very various positions of rock
slope, which may be caused by movement of Toru Fault. This formation is found all along
the road from Tarutung to Sipirok in km 23 and 31 m, with thickness of its weathered
soil of 0.5+3 m. It is sandy silt with whitish brown, really porous, and fragile. This
formation is covered by alluvial sediment from the river, which also often contains reworked
Toba Tuff sediment.

e) River Alluvium
Alluvial sediment of the river as the youngest sediment is estimated to be from recent
age. It comprises free gravel, sand, silt, clay, some peat, and carbonate clay. This
sediment is formed in the fluviatil to lakustrin environment. In Graben of Tarutung
and Sarulla, this rock often contains cracks of Toba Tuff and Toru Formation, dacitic
and andesitic tuffs, lava, mudflow, ignimbrite, rhyolitic vault and andesit of gap eruption.
In the Fault zone of Toru-Asik in Sipirok, this sediment contains mud, with rock generally
consisting of semi-consolidated alluvial fan, locally comes from gravel conglomerate,
and bad isolated sand, in fluviatil and coluvial sediment environments. The map of the
geology of study area is shown in Map III-2.

Fig 7. Geological Map of Sarulla Field

Source: Hickman, et al (2004)
D. Associated Structure of Lithology in Sarulla Field
The Sarulla area is bisected by the SFS, which here consists of one through-going, active
strand, the Tor Sibohi fault (TSF), and several parallel, less active and inactive faults. In the
northern part of the area, the TSF is closely paralleled to the southwest by the active Hutujulu
fault that merges with the TFS near the village of Silangkitang. In the central part of the area,
the TSF bounds the eastern flank of a structural low, the Sarulla graben. In the southern part
of the area, the TFS is paralleled to the southwest by the Aek Sitandiang Namenek (ASN)
and Toru Nabara faults. These latter faults and the TFS appear to form a complex releasing
step.

a) Small-scale structures of paleozoic rocks

Meta-quartzites, phyllites, argillites and limestones, inferred to be of late Paleozoic age, are
poorly exposed as fault slivers along major faults and along the northeastern margin of the
study area. Because of the poor quality of exposures, little can be said about the regional
structure of these strata. However, in addition to having been subjected to low-grade
metamorphism, all of these rocks have undergone strong pre-Pliocene deformation. Bedding is
generally steeply dipping. Tight meter-scale upright folds are developed in the argillites and
phyllites. All of these rocks have been subjected to a later brittle deformation that has strongly
fractured and locally brecciated them. Minor hydrothermal veins composed of quartz or calcite
and pyrite typically fill these fractures. The proximity of exposures to strands of the SFS and
the occurrence of hydrothermal mineralization likely related to the current geothermal systems,
suggest that this brittle deformation is related to strain associated with the SFS.

Fig 8. The Paleozoic Structures

Source: Hickman et al (2004)
b) Sumatra fault system - Tor Sibohi fault
The Sumatra fault system (SFS) forms a zone up to 10 km wide along the length of the
study area. One active strand of the fault, the Tor Sibohi fault (TSF), extends along that entire
distance. Along much of this distance, the fault zone occupies a linear valley or is bounded
on one side by steep slopes. Much of the valley is intensively cultivated, and fault scarps have
been removed or strongly modified by extensive artificial terracing. However, the trace of the
fault is marked by springs, gas seeps, and narrow zones of steep dips in tuffs and mudstones,
and is locally identifiable on aerial photos.
The fault has an overall strike of about N 358 W, but the strike of individual segments of
the fault ranges from about N 558 W to N 208 W. Given the dextral strike-slip motion on the
fault, these strike changes create a slight constraining bend near the village of Silangkitang, a
releasing bend south of Donatasik near the south end of the Sarulla graben, a prominent
constraining bend north of Sibualbuali volcano and a releasing bend along the southeastern
flank of Sibualbuali. At the point of this latter releasing bend, a series of faults that are
subparallel to the Tor Sibohi fault are present. These have straight traces, are steeply dipping,
and are interpreted to be dextral strike-slip faults that transfer some displacement from the Tor
Sibohi via a complex releasing step. The fault is not well exposed, but near the northern limit
of the contract area (UTM Coordinates 500,340 m E; 217,590 m N), the fault is exposed in an
excavated hillside. There the fault strikes N 458 W and dips 678 to the southwest. In the
Silangkitang area, wells and surface mapping indicate that the fault dips about 878 to the
southwest. Along the northeast flank of Sibualbuali (UTM Coordinates 527,520 m E; 177,350
m N), the fault strikes N 468 W and dips about 858 to the southwest)

c) Tor-Sibohi Fault Displacement

Numerous streams exhibit dextral jogs where they flow across the Tor Sibohi fault. These
bends are interpreted to reflect dextral offset of the stream valleys by displacement of the
fault. In this situation, the greatest and oldest offsets are typically shown by the largest, most
deeply incised streams (Wallace, 1968). In the study area, stream offsets were estimated from
aerial photos or topographic maps. The recognized offsets range from about 130–1400 m
(Table 1). The maximum offsets here are similar to, but slightly smaller than the maximum
small stream offsets determined in the Toba area from SPOT satellite images of 1660^100 m
(Detourbet et al., 1993) and 1700–2100 m offsets determined from aerial photographs and
topographic maps in the same area (Sieh and Natawidjaja, 2000).
 Fig 8. The area of Tor Sibohi
Source: Sieh and Natawidjaja (2000)

E. Stratigraphy of Sarulla Area

The oldest rocks exposed within the study area are metaquartzites, phyllites, argillites, and
limestones interpreted to be of late Paleozoic age (Tapanuli Group and Kuantan Formation of
Aspden et al., 1982, Figs. 3 and 4). These strata are exposed on both sides of the SFS in the
Barisan Mountains, along the margins of the Sarulla graben, and in uplifted fault slivers.
Mesozoic or early Tertiary granitic intrusives are not exposed within the Sarulla area, but occur
within 15 km of the western margin of the map area (Aspden et al., 1982). Five to ten kilometers
to the east, marine sandstones and limestones of Miocene age crop out along the margin of the
central Sumatra (backarc) basin (Aspden et al., 1982).
Within the southern part of the study area, west of the active Tor Sibohi strand of the SFS,
lithic arenites, arkoses, pebble conglomerates, and carbonaceous siltstone beds of fluvial and
lacustrine origin crop out in a small graben. These beds are most likely of late Pliocene age,
but could be as old as late Miocene or as young as early Pleistocene based on arboreal pollen
(V.E. Williams, pers. com.). These fluvio-lacustrine strata contain abundant detritus derived
from the Paleozoic quartzites, but are free of volcanic material (Fig. 4). The strata are inferred
to unconformably overlie the Paleozoic rocks. Well-sorted quartz sandstones that are silicified
were encountered at a depth of about 1465 m in a well drilled east of the Tor Sibohi fault (TSF)
near the town of Sipirok; these rocks closely resemble Tertiary (?) strata that are exposed along
the eastern margin of the Sipirok graben still further to the east. Other undated pebble and
cobble conglomerates, and sedimentary breccias with clasts derived from the underlying
Paleozoic strata crop out in the northeastern part of the map area. All of these units, which
contain sediment derived from the Paleozoic strata and lack significant volcanic material, may
be the same age.

Fig 8. The stratigraphy of Sarulla Field

Source: Hickman et al (2004)

4.3 Geophysical Studies in Sarulla Field

A. Determining The Geophysical Phenomenon in Sarulla Field: Magnetic Anomalies
In interpreting the Sarulla Field to measure its potential, geophysical studies are used so
that the results are more optimal than exploration with geological methods. In the Sarulla field,
one of the geophysical methods used is a geomechanical study. To determine clearly, anomaly
search was carried out from the geomechanical survey carried out.
a) Magnetic Earth Anomaly Spreading Pattern
In determining the distribution anomaly of the subsurface geothermal area and identifying
the type of geothermal anomaly in a geothermal field, the magnetic method can be used, which
is one of the primary methods in geothermal field exploration. This method makes use of the
earth's magnetic field by calculating the susceptibility contrast in the area. In the Sarulla Field,
50 magnetic measurement points are scattered randomly with 3 repetitions. This measurement
produces a distribution of susceptibility values.

Fig 9. The spreading pattern of Magnetic Earth Anomaly

Source: Tampubolon., et al (2018)

b) Rocks Susceptibility of Research Location

Sarulla fields have susceptibility From the calculation of susceptibility value, it is obtained
that the research area has susceptibility value from the lowest to the highest value, it is:
0,178617332 x 103 to 0,751016484 x 103. The susceptibility which is obtained will be used to
know the rock types at subsurface research location.

Fig 10. The Rock Susceptibility Contour Map

Source: Tampubolon., et al (2018)
c) Magnetic Anomaly Model
Quantitative interpretation is needed to describe the subsurface structure of data
measurement. The interpretation aims to determine the lithology of the research area.
Interpretation is done to create a geomagnetic sectional model using Mag2DC software. In
numerical modeling some geometric magnetic field parameters of the research location are
required including IGRF value (41837.1 nT), declination angle (-0.2582 °), inclination angle
(-13.0164 °), and some modeling parameters.

Fig 11. Geomagnetic Sectional Model

Source: Tampubolon., et al (2018)

Top layer with value k = 0.0035 x 103 SI, 0.0059 x 103 SI, 0.0061 x 103 SI at depth ± 5
up to ± 40 meters. This body layer is defined as a type of pyroclastic species including
sedimentary rocks from volcanic eruptions. The second layer consists of a body having k =
0.0277 x 103 SI, 0.0241 x 103 SI at a depth of ± 8 up to ± 85 meters, geologically this layer is
identified as andesite lava rock which is a volcanic eruption product. This layer is a rock cap
zone (supporters) that serves as a barrier to the loss of geothermal steam. While the third layer
consists of a body with a value of k = 0.2437 x 103 SI at a depth of ± 65 to ± 90 meters,
geologically this layer is identified as basalt rock. The geomagnetic sectional value at (figure
3) is linked to rock type susceptibility values table by Thelfrod where the andesite rock
susceptibility (0,0100-0,0500) and geological data of the research area to determine the
subsurface rock structure. The value of the andesite's magnetic susceptibility is at 0.0200 -
0.0400. So, based on the geophysical studies, this field has magnetic anomaly value in range
34,4358 nT to 144,788 nT and sedimentary rocks, andesite lava rock, and basalt rock. Layer
that contains andesite lava rock is known to be a cap rock zone.
4.4 Component of Geothermal System in Sarulla Field
After conducting a geoscience study on geological and geophysical studies in the Sarulla
field through literature studies, the next step is to identify the geothermal system found in the
Sarulla Field. In general, there are four geothermal systems, including heat source, reservoir
rock, discharge, and recharge fluid. In discussing the geothermal system at Sarulla Field, the
researchers explained the specifics of each geothermal system. Here is the explanation.
A. Heat Source
Heat source is a system of interactions between rocks that have potential as a heat source,
have a relative depth of 2-7 km, and are multiple intrusion rocks that interact with magma
beneath the earth's surface. In a heat source system, the entity is also affected by certain
geological phenomena.
On a regional scale, the position of the Sumatra fault zone and the volcanic arc are similar,
although it has been pointed out that the two features are not coincident, but rather intertwine.
Because of the similar orientation of the two features, it is possible that the location and
geometry of the Sumatra fault system are controlled by the position of the volcanic arc. The
reason for this presumably would be that higher heat flow and local magma accumulations
along the arc produce a linear zone that is weaker than the surrounding crust.
Based on the results of a literature review, it is possible that the heat source rocks that
interact with magma in the fault are Late Paleozoic meta-sedimentary rocks, which including
limestones, argillites, and graywackes comprise the oldest widely distributed rock unit in
Sumatra. These are part of the Sundaland craton, believed to have been accreted to the Eurasian
margin during Triassic time. These strata are overlain by Jurassic and Cretaceous sediments,
meta-sediments and mafic volcanics, and are intruded by Late Cretaceous granitic rocks.

B. Reservoir Rock
Like the petroleum system, the geothermal system also has a reservoir rock component.
Reservoir rocks are all types of rock that have porosity and permeability, both primary and
secondary. On of the system in Sarulla Field is Namora-i-Langit. Reservoir rock in Namora I-
Langit has a depth of 1000-1500 km from the surface. Reservoir rock types from Namora I-
Langit are rhyolitic and dacitic volcanic rock overlying basement rock. Based on its constituent
components which include felsic magma or magma containing felsic minerals. so it has high
viscosity. consequently, the heat possessed by this type of magma is relatively long-lasting
compared to mafic magma.
C. Discharge
 Discharge Area is defined as the area of fluid discharge from under the earth's surface. The
presence of discharge areas is usually found in the form of manifestations, such as fumaroles,
geysers, hot springs, and others. In the Sarulla field, several manifestations were found. The
first manifestation can be seen in the Sibualbuali System. At Sibualbuali volcano, 19 areas of
fumaroles, mud pots, and other acid-sulfate thermal features are distributed over an area of
about 45 km2, mainly along faults of the Sumatra fault system. The second manifestation can
be seen in the Donatasik System. At this system, gas seeps and fumaroles occur east of the
valley and within the Hopong caldera. The third system is the Silangkitang System, where there
is a series of hot springs and fumaroles is located along the margin of the Sarulla graben, near
the village of Silangkitang in the central part of the Sarulla contract area. The last system is
Namora-I-Langit. The Namora-I-Langit volcanic complex consists of two broad coalescent
volcanoes made up of andesitic to rhyolitic lavas and tuffs dated at 0.75–0.16 Ma.

D. Recharge Fluid
Recharge fluid in geothermal system also known as the meteoric fluids. The researchers
define the recharge fluid as the fluid which entering the geothermal system through hydrology
cycles. One of the system that observed in this report is Namora-i-Langit System (NIL).
Geothermal field NIL was observed as a distributed high permeability system and identified as
a high-temperature liquid system (> 250 ° C) and high gas (> 1 wt% in the fluid reservoir and
~ 7 wt% in wellhead). All wells show concentrations of Na, K, Cl concentrations below 1100
ppm in total liquid with a pH range from acid to alkaline, mineralogy is found here. And not
controlled by the Sumatran fault. Two geochemical models are proposed to explain the origin
of fluids and flows in NIL, namely 1) condensation of geothermal vapor and H2S oxidation
and dissolution in shallow oxygenation of groundwater, and, 2) magmatic dissolution gases
into shallow oxygenated groundwater and rebalancing with reservoir rock and mixing with
neutral chloride salts.