| Abstract |
Starting from the observation of the lack of skilled human resources in the management and development of geothermal in Indonesia, particularly in North Sulawesi, we feel the need to discuss this issue with all relevant stakeholders either directly or indirectly. We notice that there are only a few North Sulawesi youth take up career in geothermal. From various discussions, seminars and workshops on geothermal development in North Sulawesi in particular, and Indonesia in general, it was concluded that geothermal knowledge should be disseminated to all levels of communities both formally and informally. One of the ways to disseminate the geothermal knowledge is by setting up a geothermal education park as a part of community-based edu-tourism program. It is expected that the park can enhance the significance of the geothermal site as a natural laboratory for studying the earth sciences and geothermal. The target is the growth of communities’ knowledge, interest, and support for geothermal resource development. Lahendong geothermal fields is located in Tomohon City, about 30 km south of Manado. The field is situated in a beautiful, steep volcanic terrain at about 750 km above sea level, with vigorous thermal manifestation including fumaroles, gas discharges, steaming ground, hot springs, hot mud pools with mud volcanoes, and altered ground. Lahendong is the first developed geothermal system in the eastern part of the country. With its uniqueness and convenient access, Lahendong becomes a potential candidate of the site of the geothermal education park. According to the ideas proposed by Utami, et al (2011) the development of this public education facility will use the concept of “growing park”, meaning that the park elements can be made available step by step depending on the stage of the development of the field itself, and the availability funding and other resources. |