Journal of Asian Earth Sciences 170 (2019) 316–328

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Journal of Asian Earth Sciences

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The Sipoholon Geothermal Field and adjacent geothermal systems along the T
North-Central Sumatra Fault Belt, Indonesia: Reviews on geochemistry,
tectonics, and natural heat loss
⁎
Mochamad Nukmana, , Manfred P. Hochsteinb
a
Program Studi Geofisika, Departemen Fisika, FMIPA, Gadjah Mada University, Sekip Utara, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia
b
School of Environment, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand

A R T I C LE I N FO A B S T R A C T

Keywords: The Sipoholon system in the Tarutung Basin is one of five geothermal systems associated with a c. 100 km stretch
Sumatra fault systems of the Sumatra Fault System (SFS) in North-Central Sumatra, Indonesia, that exhibits parallel sets of dextral
Tectonics strike-slip faults associated with seismic activity. Characteristics of discharged thermal fluids differ significantly
Geochemistry between the systems. The gas-rich Sipoholon field transfers only c. 19 MW heat by Ca-SO4/HCO3 springs with
Sipoholon
SiO2 fluid equilibria pointing to temperatures of 50–80 °C at intermediate depths. Most of its thermal springs
Tarutung Basin
Sarulla Block geothermal systems
(T < 63 °C) are associated with significant gas (CO2) discharges and travertine deposits but cannot be inter-
preted as manifestations of a medium to high temperature system. A deep exploratory well has not yet been
drilled in the Sipoholon field.
In contrast, all four thermal systems in the Sarulla Block concession to the southeast of the Sipoholon field are
convective high temperature systems that transfer significant heat to the surface. Fumaroles, steaming ground,
thermal springs, hot pools and thermal lakes discharge at least 50 MW heat at three of the four prospects where
the temperatures of springs and fumaroles often reach boiling point. Many hot springs of the Sarulla Block
systems discharge dominantly Na-HCO3/Cl type waters with partially equilibrated cation compositions, a result
of fluid-rock equilibration and mixing processes. SiO2 –fluid equilibria indicate 130 to c. 200 °C with cation
geothermometers pointing to a high reservoir temperature (200–260 °C) for all four systems. This was confirmed
by the first deep exploratory wells drilled c. 20 years ago in three prospects that encountered T > 250 °C at
bottom hole (> 1.5 km depth).
The structural setting of the five geothermal fields is complex. At Tarutung it is associated with the narrow
Tarutung Basin, filled with volcanic debris and ash. The basin exhibits a partly exposed dextral strike-slip fault
along its NE margin and can be interpreted in terms of a trans-tensional pull-apart basin. Two of the adjacent
Sarulla Block systems are associated with large volcanic debris basins (Namora-I-Langit and Silangkitang) that
exhibit ‘half- graben’ structures in profiles normal to two large active faults of the Sumatra Fault System (SFS).
The other two systems (Donotasik and Sibualbuali) are hosted by an elongated graben structure parallel and
within the SFS and by a stratovolcano respectively.

1. Introduction
The Sipoholon system is one of five thermal prospects associated
with a coherent, seismically active segment of the Sumatra Fault System
(SFS) in North Central Sumatra, Indonesia. Reconnaissance exploration
of the four southern prospects (Namora-I-Langit (NIL), Silangkitang
(SIL), Donotasik and Sibualbuali) was undertaken by PERTAMINA after
1987 (Fig. 1). The area enclosing the four systems has been referred as
the ‘Sarulla Block Area’; contracts for their development were signed in
1993 with Indonesian Government groups and UNOCAL, the first pri-
vate developer. Exploration of three prospects by exploration drilling
was started in 1994. Thirteen, mostly productive wells were completed
by 1998 and indicated a total electric power potential of c. 330 MWe for
the Silangkitang (SIL) and Namora I Langit (NIL) projects (Gunderson
et al., 2000).
Further developments were delayed due to the 1998 Asian financial
crisis (Ganefianto et al., 2015). New drilling at the SIL and NIL pro-
spects started in 2006 after the tender for renewed development was

⁎
Corresponding author.
E-mail address: moch_nukman@ugm.ac.id (M. Nukman).

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jseaes.2018.11.007
Received 6 February 2018; Received in revised form 22 October 2018; Accepted 2 November 2018
Available online 08 November 2018
1367-9120/ © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
M. Nukman, M.P. Hochstein
Fig. 1. Location of the Tarutung (Sipoholon) and Sarulla Block geothermal fields and sampled sites. The legend lists number, name and symbol used for samples of
thermal springs (also used in all later figures). Exposed rocks and their geological period (based on Aldiss et al.,1983; Apsden et al., 1982; Clarke et al., 1982) are
explained by colour coding in the small legend at the bottom of the figure.
won by a Medco-Ormat-Itochu consortium. The new development in-
volved the Sarulla Operation Ltd group (SOL) as contractor for PT
Pertamina Geothermal Energy. Additional 20 production and injection
wells were drilled at the SIL and NIL project sites (Wolf and Gabbay,
2015). Preparation and construction of power plants started at the same
time. The SIL 110 MWe plant was commissioned in March 2017 and the
NIL plant (also 110 MWe) began operation in Oct. 2017 (www.
powermag.com/sarulla).
During the last decades the Sipoholon field was considered to host
two thermal areas: the northern manifestations were referred to as the
‘Helatoba’ area, the southern and central manifestations were included
in the ‘Sipoholon – Ria-Ria’ prospect area (Indonesian Geological
Agency, 2007). The whole prospect area is still referred as the ‘Sipo-
holon- Ria-Ria’ WKP prospect (Indonesian Directorate of Geothermal,
2016). The sub-district of Tarutung lent its name when describing the
locality of the large elongated basin structure that is referred as the
Tarutung Basin, also called the Sipoholon Basin.
Namora-I-Langit, Sarula, and Sibualbuali were the local names of
geothermal prospects to the southeast of the Tarutung Basin that are
listed in geothermal inventories (Indonesian Geological Agency, 2007).
‘Sarula’ was named after the nearby Sarula village, located between the
Silangkitang and the Donotasik geothermal fields. The Donotasik field
had been explored by Pertamina prior to 1993 but was not included in
the official 2007 inventory. The spelling of ‘Sarula’ was changed to
‘Sarulla’ when all four prospects were included in the new Sarulla
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Journal of Asian Earth Sciences 170 (2019) 316–328
Contract area (1993). Since the name ‘Sarula’ had already been used for
the geothermal field just NW of Sarula village, the local place name
‘Silangkitang’ was adopted for the old ‘Sarula’ geothermal field. The
spelling was changed to ‘Sarulla’ in 1993 when exploration and de-
velopment of all four prospects were confined to a single contract area,
the ‘Sarulla Block Concession area’, adopted in 1993 for joint explora-
tion by Pertamina and UNOCAL as private developer. Concession par-
ties changed during the next 15 years and information about the de-
velopment of the prospects remained confidential.
This paper discusses the geochemical fluid characteristics of the
Sipoholon geothermal field, and of the four geothermal systems in the
adjacent Sarulla Block outlining significant differences between dis-
charged thermal fluids of each prospect. Estimated natural heat losses
and subsurface temperatures of the Sipoholon Field are also discussed
which affect resource assessment and exploitation plans.
2. The Sipoholon and the Sarulla Block geothermal systems
Exploration of the Sipoholon prospect was undertaken after 2000 by
the Indonesian Government (Badan Geologi group). A thermal reservoir
with inferred temperatures between 142 and 230 °C and an electric
power potential of 70 MWe was predicted (Ardiwinata et al, 2005;
Hasan et al., 2005; Indonesian Directorate of Geothermal, 2016). A
follow-up survey and training program, covering the Sipoholon and the
Lahendong (Sulawesi) fields, was proposed and agreed to by the
M. Nukman, M.P. Hochstein
Indonesian Geology Agency (Badan Geologi) and the German Ministry
of Education; it became part of the GFZ Potsdam field program after
2005. The program supported several surveys of the Sipoholon field
such as MT surveys (Niasari et al., 2011), a micro-earthquake survey
(Muksin et al., 2013), and structural mapping (Nukman and Moeck,
2013). Geochemical surveys were undertaken during two field seasons.
The first one (in 2010) involved a study of thermal constituents at Si-
poholon and Lahendong (Brehme et al., 2017). The second survey was
conducted in 2012 by the first author and covered only the Sipoholon
field (Nukman, 2014). Analyses and interpretations of the 2012 survey,
with reference to early exploration results of the Sarulla Block studies,
are used in the present study to construct a conceptual model of the
Sipoholon thermal system.
The Sumatra magmatic arc is the result of an oblique subduction of
the oceanic crust of the Indo-Australian plate beneath and against the
continental crust of the Eurasian plate. Ascent of magma was facilitated
by a crustal tectonic fracture system, the Sumatra Fault System (SFS). It
is a dextral strike-slip fault belt that extends at the surface approxi-
mately over 1650 km with an overall NW-SE trend (Hamilton, 1979;
McCaffrey, 2009). There are > 11 active volcanic- and > 30 high
temperature geothermal fields exposed along the SFS (Hochstein and
Sudarman, 1993).
On a regional scale, the inferred crustal heat source near the
Sipoholon prospect is part of a coherent crustal belt hosting magmatic
sources beneath adjacent high temperature geothermal fields in the
north, near Lake Toba, beneath the Tarutung Basin and the Sarulla
Block fields in the south. Within the c.100 km long stretch of the
Sumatra Fault Zone shown in Fig. 1, there are several young volcanic
centres that include the young Quaternary andesitic/basaltic Martim-
bang volcano at the south-west end and the small Mt. Imun volcano
(dacitic in composition) at the north-west end of the Sipoholon field
(Aldiss et al., 1983). Further south located are the Namora-I-Langit
dacitic domes, the large Donotasik-Hopong Caldera, and the andesitic
Sibualbuali stratovolcano, all with ages between 0.1 and 1.5 Ma
(Hickman et al., 2004). Some magmatic fluid input in thermal fluids is
indicated by noble gas contents (He, Ar, and N2) observed by
Halldorsson et al. (2013) in fumaroles of the Sibualbuali stratovolcano
and, with low concentration, also at the Ria-Ria site (#6 in Fig. 1).
The young volcanic centres and the huge Lake Toba eruption pro-
duced most of the ash-flow tuffs and tuff sediments that have filled
several basin and graben structures along the South Sumatra fault belt
in the study area. The basins, hosting thermal reservoirs at Namora-I-
Langit and Silangkitang, exhibit ‘half- graben’ structures in gravity
profiles normal to the fault belt and are filled with up to 1.7 km thick
Quaternary and Tertiary sediments (Hickman et al., 2004). Other active
geothermal fields are also hosted by graben structures, namely the
Tarutung (Sipoholon) Basin, the Donotasik Graben, and an oblique
graben structure (the Purwodadi Graben of Hickman et al., 2004) be-
neath the Sibualbuali stratovolcano. The five basins (shown with a
light-grey tone in Fig. 1) are confined on the northeastern side by high
angle strike- slip faults (Hickman et al., 2004).
The basement rocks of Central Sumatra are segments of three micro-
plates, the Woyla-, West- and East- Sumatra plates that exhibit suture
type relationships (Barber and Crow, 2005). A suture segment of the
West- and East-Sumatra micro-plates is located near the Sipoholon and
the Sarulla geothermal fields. The oldest rocks include a phyllite for-
mation of late Paleozoic age that expose meta-quartzites, argillites and
limestones over the western side and sandstone formations over the
eastern side of the SFS. The suture coincides with the current SFS and
indicates its long evolution with some reactivation since the Early
Miocene. Andesites of Miocene age, known as Toru Formation, overlie
the basement and are widespread from Tarutung to Sarulla (Aldiss
et al., 1983; Apsden et al., 1982; Clarke et al., 1982). The youngest
formations are pyroclastics of Pleistocene to Recent age that include
welded tuffs of the Toba (74 kyr) eruption covering most of the area
shown in Fig. 1.
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Journal of Asian Earth Sciences 170 (2019) 316–328
Coherent, elongated basins between major strike slip faults along
the eastern and western margins of the SFS have been interpreted as
structural depressions (‘strike-slip pull-apart basins’) by Muraoka et al.
(2010). Symmetrical pull-apart structures would be associated with
active master slip faults at opposite sites parallel to the SFS system. For
the elongated Tarutung Basin, segments of a northeast master fault are
indicated by topography and the alignment of thermal springs along or
near its trace. An apparent southwest master fault was inferred in the
structural model of Nukman and Moeck (2013) as delineated from 90 m
resolution of SRTM. The adjacent Namora-I-Langit and Silangkitang
fields have been described as structures within ‘pull-apart’ basins
(Muraoka et al. 2010). Geophysical reconnaissance surveys, however,
indicate that both basins can be interpreted as a complex set of quasi
parallel structures associated with a dominant single northeast
boundary fault as indicated by residual gravity anomalies at Silangki-
tang (Hickman et al., 2004). Analog modeling (Rahe et al., 1998) has
shown that several forms of basin formation can be part of a pull-apart
basin evolution with incipient pull-apart basins characterized by
normal-fault bounded half-graben structures. These have been de-
scribed by Rahe et al. (1998) as asymmetrical pull-apart basins where
only the crustal block associated with the single master fault moves
whereas the opposite block is pinned down. Trans-tensional and ex-
tensional structures can also provide permeability for thermal springs
that discharge, for example, along the northeastern margin of the
Tarutung Basin (Nukman and Moeck, 2013).
Thick silicic tuffs (1–1.5 km thickness) have been encountered in
deep exploration wells in the Silangkitang geothermal field (see Fig. 1)
that is dominated by the northeast trending Tor Sibohi Fault (Hickman
et al., 2004). We assume that similar tuff sequences also occur in the
Tarutung Basin together with concealed Paleozoic limestones that are
exposed further south adjacent to the SFS, north of Sibualbuali
(Hickman et al., 2004). The aim of our (2012) geochemical study of the
Sipoholon prospect was to check whether thermal springs along the
margin of the Tarutung Basin derive from a local thermal system or
show affinity with the fluid compositions of other high temperature
systems in the Sarulla Contract Area. Order of magnitude estimates of
the natural heat loss of most geothermal fields had been obtained
during earlier reconnaissance visits. Approximate losses of manifesta-
tions in the Tarutung Basin are listed in Table 1 with order of magni-
tude losses of major manifestations for the four Sarulla Block systems
listed in Table 2.
2.1. Geochemical surveys (Sipoholon)
Fluid samples were collected from the Sipoholon Field during March
(2012) using 30 ml polyethane bottles and filtered with a 0.45 μm
membrane filter. Samples for cation analyses were acidified with HNO3
to prevent mineral deposition. The on-site measurements in the field
included pH and temperature data together with estimates of total
dissolved solid (TDS) and bicarbonate content. Flow rates (liter per
second) and the natural heat loss of springs were obtained using a ca-
librated bucket and stopwatch. The ambient temperature was in the
range of 22–26 °C (daytime). There was significant gas discharge (al-
most entirely CO2) adjacent to many thermal springs and on top of
some travertine deposits.
The chemical analyses of constituents listed in Table 1 were con-
ducted at the Geochemistry Laboratory, Department of Applied Geos-
ciences, Technische Universität Berlin. Anions (Cl−, B−, SO4−2) were
measured by ion-chromatography (Dionex DX120). Cations (Li+, Rb+,
Ca2+, and Mg2+) were determined with the inductively Coupled
Plasma method (iCap 6300), Na+ and K+ were measured using an
Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Silica concentration was
assessed using a visible range spectrophotometer. Five percent un-
certainty in the ionic balance of anions and cations per sample was
considered to be acceptable.
In Table 1, the spring locality is identified by numbers (#1 to #18,
M. Nukman, M.P. Hochstein
Table 1
Chemical analyses of Tarutung (Sipoholon) thermal springs (from Nukman, 2014).
*
N: sample collection by Nukman (2014).
**
B: sample data by Brehme et al. (2017).
also shown in Fig. 1) together with longitude (Long), latitude (Lat) and
elevation in masl (Elev.) in columns 2, 3 and 4 respectively. At a few
sites samples had been collected previously (Brehme et al., 2017); these
are indicated by index “B” in the last column of Table 1. All sites with
index “N” were sampled by the first author (MN) and were analysed in
2012 of Nukman (2014). The anomalous heat discharge of flowing
single and groups of thermal springs is listed in column 6 of Table 1.
Large flow rates (c. 50 l/s) were only measured at the Panabungan
(#12) and the Ria-Ria (#6) sites, accounting together for c. 90% of the
total anomalous heat loss of all manifestations in the whole basin area.
The subtotal flow rate of all other thermal springs was c. 20 l/s. Many
springs discharged CO2 gas. The gas discharged at the Ria-Ria site (#6)
contained 99% CO2 (Halldorsson et al., 2013). In old inventories
(Indonesian Geological Agency, 2007), the Ria-Ria springs (#6) were
listed as a separate (‘Helatoba’) prospect.
2.2. Geochemical surveys (Sarulla Contract area)
A few early geochemical reconnaissance surveys had been under-
taken covering the adjacent geothermal fields of Namora-I-Langit (NIL),
Silangkitang (SIL), Donotasik and Sibualbuali (SIB) prior to becoming
part of the Sarulla Licensing and Contract Area. The first surveys of the
prospects were made by Pertamina (the first license holder) and were
summarized by Pudjianto et al. (1991) and Soenaryo (1992). Additional
Table 2
Chemical analyses of thermal springs sampled from Sarulla Block thermal fields (from Gunderson et al., 1995).
*
IB = Ion Balance.
**
Hochstein and Sudarman (1993).
***
Soenaryo (1992).
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Journal of Asian Earth Sciences 170 (2019) 316–328
detailed geochemical surveys were undertaken after 1991 by UNOCAL,
the new license holder. Selected analyses of the later surveys have been
published by Gunderson et al. (1995) and Gunderson et al. (2000). Data
of the 1995 study are listed in Table 2. As indicated by their major
constituents, springs at sites #20 to #31 cover mostly discharges of
neutral (pH) Na-Cl/HCO3 springs with high discharge temperature.
Major manifestations of the four geothermal fields were also
mapped by Gunderson et al. (2000). All four fields were visited by the
second author (MPH) in 1991, and again in 2004, allowing an assess-
ment of large (> 1 MW) discharge features (Hochstein and Sudarman,
2008). At Sibualbuali, for example, 14 active (noisy) fumaroles and
large stretches of steaming ground were found indicating a minimum
subtotal loss of the order of > 50 MW. At Donotasik, a minimum loss
of > 30 MW was assessed during a reconnaissance visit that found
mainly thermal springs, including a large geysering spring, hot pools
and two large thermal lakes (> 300 m2). Manifestations in the Si-
langkitang Field included major hot springs (southeast sector) and fu-
maroles (northwest sector) where large hydrothermal eruption craters
(with near- boiling water) were found in 1991. Subtotal heat loss es-
timates indicated > 50 MW. Most of the manifestations were aligned
with the major fault zone, the Tor Sibohi Fault (Hickman et al., 2004).
Manifestations of the Namora-I-Langit (NIL) prospect were widespread
(covering an area > 25 km2). A map of Gunderson et al. (2000) shows
manifestations in the SE part of the NIL-field that include fumaroles,
M. Nukman, M.P. Hochstein
Fig. 2.1. Cl-SO4-HCO3 Ternary Diagram of Tarutung and Sarulla Block thermal
springs.
solfataras and acidic thermal springs. We estimated minimum heat
losses of the order of > 50 MW for this field.
3. Interpretation of geochemical data
Analyses of thermal springs listed in Tables 1 and 2 indicate dif-
ferent fluid characteristics. Several fluid types are indicated in the SO4-
Cl-HCO3 Ternary Diagram (Fig. 2.1) for springs listed in Fig. 1. Four
fluid types are indicated for the composition of springs sampled in and
around the Tarutung Basin, namely bicarbonate waters with minor SO4
content (Type 1) and bicarbonate waters with significant SO4 content
(Type 2). Acidic waters with low TDS (total dissolved solids) values
represent Type 3 fluids; almost all thermal springs of the four Sarulla
Block prospects plot in the ‘Mature Water’ field of Fig. 2.1 (Type 4).
A local distribution pattern of thermal springs in and around the
Tarutung Basin is shown in Fig. 2.2. Thermal springs discharging over
the northern slopes of the dormant (?) Martimbang volcano (#1 to #5),
and those around the small Mt. Imun inactive volcano (#15 and #16),
are characterized by low SO4 and low Cl concentrations (Type 1
springs). In contrast, most springs associated with the E margin of the
Tarutung Basin contain significant SO4 and Cl concentrations (springs
#6 to #13) and form a distinct cluster (Type 2 springs) of probably
steam-heated waters in Fig. 2.1. They are aligned with the major
northeast trending strike-slip fault (Fig. 2.2). Most springs along the
northeastern margin of the basin deposit travertine with large deposits
at the Ria-Ria site (#6). Small acidic springs (Type 3) with low mi-
neralization occur in the northeast part of the Sipoholon field (#17) and
with large discharge rates in the NIL prospect (#26). Neutral-pH
springs, with significant anion- and cation concentrations and high
discharge temperatures (Type 4 springs), can be found in all four Sar-
ulla Block prospects and plot within or close to the ‘Mature Water’ field
in the ternary diagram (Fig. 2.1).
Different types of thermal waters and their degree of cation equili-
bration by fluid-rock interaction can also be assessed from a plot of
10 K/(10 K + Na) versus 10 Mg/(10 Mg + Ca) ratios of constituents
with opposing solubility trends (Giggenbach, 1988). A cation ratio plot
of thermal waters, sampled in the Sipoholon Basin and at geothermal
prospects within the Sarulla Block area, is shown in Fig. 3. The differ-
ence between the position of data points and the full equilibration curve
indicates the status of fluid-rock equilibration-, mixing- and re-equili-
bration processes. Only two samples (#28 and #30) attain a full flui-
d–rock equilibrium state. The other data indicate a non-equilibrated
state caused in part by the anomalous solubility trend of Ca-bearing
rocks affected by CO2 fugacity during re-equilibration. The upward shift
320
Journal of Asian Earth Sciences 170 (2019) 316–328
of Type 1 and Type 2 thermal spring data (clusters #1 to #5 and #6 to
#12) can be interpreted by dissolution of different volcanic host rocks
under the influence of acidic condensates (Hochstein and Sudarman,
2015). Such dissolution is clearly indicated for Type 3 samples (#26
from the NIL field) whose cation ratios are close to that of the average
Sarulla volcanic rock ratio (taken from Gunderson et al., 1995). For the
Donotasik field, the decreasing cation ratios of Type 4 samples # 22 to
# 25 indicate mixing with other fluids at intermediate depths. The end
point of full equilibrium temperature can be predicted from the data
trend (i.e. c. 200 °C for Donotasik and c. 260 °C for the Silangkitang
sample). The Giggenbach cation ratio plot has been used to classify
Indonesian high temperature-, low temperature- and heat-sweep sys-
tems (Hochstein and Sudarman, 2015; Fahrurrozie et al., 2015;
Hochstein et al., 2013).
The solubility of silica phases as a function of fluid temperature can
be used to predict minimum fluid temperatures of SiO2-rich fluids using
a plot of log T versus log SiO2 concentration (Fournier, 1981;
Giggenbach and Glover, 1992). Solubility and saturation at a given
temperature differs between silica species. Such a plot is shown in Fig. 4
using samples listed in Tables 1 and 2. The temperature data in the
diagram are based on the K-Mg geothermometer of Giggenbach (1986)
that provides mean temperatures for fluids encountered at Sipoholon
and in the Sarulla Block prospects. The temperature values in Fig. 4 can
be interpreted as a mean temperature of a fluid particle along its path
from a hot reservoir to the surface undergoing partial re-equilibration
and mixing; the computed K-Mg geothermometer values do not reflect
the temperature at the top of an inferred deep thermal reservoir.
The Sipoholon Type 1 and Type 2 samples show up in two clusters.
Type 1 data from the West Tarutung field and from areas surrounding
the Martimbang and Imun volcanoes indicate some shallow fluid
equilibration involving amorphous silica. The East Tarutung (Type 2)
samples indicate a different equilibration field with christobalite and
polymorphs indicated as dominant silica species. The K-Mg equilibrium
temperature range is for both clusters between c. 40 to 80 fluid °C.
However, most SiO2 data from the Sarulla Block prospects point to
rather high silica equilibrium temperatures of c. 120 to 200 °C involving
equilibration with chalcedony and quartz.
High reservoir temperatures have been predicted in the past for the
Sipoholon field assuming that quartz solubility together with inferred
adiabatic cooling of thermal fluids and (Na/K) data can be used to
predict equilibrium temperatures of deep East Tarutung fluids (Hasan
et al., 2005; Ardiwinata et al., 2005). Their interpretations yield ap-
parent silica equilibrium- and Na/K geothermometer temperatures be-
tween 142 and 230 °C. These estimates are questionable since Fig. 4
does not support fluid equilibration with quartz and the unequilibrated
cation ratios of Tarutung fluid samples in Fig. 3 do not allow use of the
Na/K geothermometer. An electric power potential of 140 MWe had
been predicted by Hasan et al. for the Sipoholon reservoir assuming an
unrealistic recovery factor of 50%, an inferred reservoir area of 12 km2,
and an average reservoir thickness of 0.9 km. These inferred parameters
are not supported by data presented in this study. The Directorate of
Indonesian Geothermal booklet (2016) still quotes a ‘possible’ Sipo-
holon (electric power) potential of 75 MWe for 30 years.
The relation between CO2-fugacity and deep fluid equilibrium
temperature has been used to define a corridor where travertine can be
deposited by Type 2 thermal fluids. In Fig. 5 (from Giggenbach, 1988),
the log (K2/Mg) of thermal fluids from the Sipoholon and the Sarulla
fields are plotted versus log (K2/Ca) data that are proportional to log
(CO2) fugacity. However, some sample sites with significant travertine
deposits (#6 to #13) do not occupy the corridor in Fig. 5 that outlines
the travertine deposition field. However, the Ria-Ria (#6) and the PNB
(#12) samples plot close together at the upper field boundary. In
contrast, fluid samples from some sites in the Tarutung Basin that fall
into the deposition corridor do not deposit travertine (#14 to #16 and
#18). Data in Table 1 show that the last group contains low con-
centration of SO4 (< 10 mg/kg) whereas most sites with travertine
M. Nukman, M.P. Hochstein
Fig. 2.2. Distribution of four types of Tarutung Basin thermal springs according to their major anion content (indicated by colour coded small circles). The springs are
further divided with respect to their Cl content (low or high), selected NIL springs are included (the map shows the local tectonic framework).
deposits discharge thermal fluids with significant SO4 concentration
(> 100 mg/kg) but lie outside the deposition field in Fig. 5.
A plot of oxygen versus deuterium isotope values of thermal springs
in the Tarutung Basin (data in Table 1) shows that all data pairs follow
closely the standard Mean Meteoric Water Line (δD = 8 δ18O + 10),
thus indicating that thermal waters discharged within the Tarutung
Basin and its surrounds are of meteoric origin. However, isotope ana-
lyses of gas samples collected by Halldorsson et al. (2013) at the Ria-Ria
#6 (Helatoba) site indicate that minor gases could be of magmatic
origin. Their residual 3He/4He air-corrected fraction at the Ria-Ria site
is c. 1/3 of the fraction of the Sibuabuali summit fumarole sample. A
carbon (C) source of the Ria-Ria and Sibuabuali dry-gases was assessed
from the ratio of δ13C and CO2/3He isotope data that point to crustal
limestone as dominant carbon source. Large Palaeozoic limestone out-
crops (Fig. 1) have been found c. 5 km to the north of the Sibuabuali
summit fumaroles (Hickman et al., 2004). It was assumed that most
CO2 gases at the Ria-Ria site in the Tarutung Basin also originate from
concealed Permian limestones.
Whereas the carbon sources for gases discussed above are of upper
crustal origin, the source of air-corrected nitrogen (N) samples can in-
clude subducted sediments from the mantle wedge and crustal sedi-
ments using mixing models when interpreting the δ15N data
(Halldorsson et al., 2013).
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Journal of Asian Earth Sciences 170 (2019) 316–328
4. Structure of sedimentary basins along the Tarutung- and
Sarulla Block sectors
4.1. The Tarutung Basin
The basin structure was interpreted as a ‘pull-apart’ basin, formed at
a right step-over between two en-echelon strike-slip faults of the SFS
(Nukman and Moeck, 2013). However, the elongated lozenge-shaped
surface area of the basin does not represent the rhomboedric shape of a
classic symmetrical pull-apart basin but can also be formed along a
releasing bend of the NE strike-slip fault (Rahe et al., 1998). The basin
is associated with thermal springs and travertine deposits aligned along
the dominant northeast fault, the Torsibohi Fault of Hickman et al.
(2004). Several geophysical surveys of the Tarutung Basin have been
undertaken involving the GFZ-Potsdam Training Program, the In-
donesian Directorate of Geothermal and the Badan Geologi groups to
obtain a better understanding of its structure.
The outline of the Tarutung Basin in Fig. 2.2 was taken from the
paper by Nukman and Moeck (2013) where the basin was interpreted as
a pull-apart structure with a ‘master fault’ at each margin enclosing a
surface area of c. 28.5 km2. Young, local fracture patterns in travertine
deposits, including an analysis of Riedel shears at selected sites over
both basin shoulders, are indicated in Fig. 6.1 and were interpreted as
the result of compression and extension associated with dextral slip
along the northeastern margin fault, resulting in a symmetrical pull-
apart basin structure. However, there is no surface evidence for an
opposing master fault along the southwestern margin because of its
irregular topographic features (landslide related?) visible in recent air-
photos and the absence of Type 2 thermal springs as they occur along
M. Nukman, M.P. Hochstein
Fig. 3. Plot of cation ratios 10 K/(10 K + Na) versus 10 Mg/(10 Mg + Ca) of Tarutung and Sarulla Block thermal springs (after Giggenbach, 1988). Note: “c” stands
for concentration (mg/kg) of the chemical constituent.
the northeast fault zone.
Initial results of two magneto-telluric resistivity surveys over the
Tarutung Basin were presented by Niasari et al. (2011). Interpretation
by 2-D modeling of their second survey data at 71 sites indicate
shallow, incoherent, low resistivity (< 10 O-m) structures in the upper
500 m of the Tarutung Basin and its surrounds. Thermal alteration of
rocks with low resistivity values of < 3 O-m are indicated for a few
stations close to the margin of the basin. Thermal alteration of rocks by
thermal fluids can be postulated for this setting although alteration by
paleo-fluids could also be a possible interpretation of low resistivity
structures away from present day active thermal springs (Hochstein
et al., 2017). Stations with low resistivity values at < 500 m depth
occur near the summit of Mt Martimbang and its northern slopes, in-
dicating alteration by thermal advective flows. Resistivity estimates at
selected MT stations are shown by colour-band coding in Fig. 6.1 that
indicates the location of isolated, deep seated (> 2 km) low resistivity
bodies within or beneath an old subsidence (caldera-like) structure.
Residual gravity anomalies over the Tarutung Basin (Djudjun, 2005)
are shown in Fig. 6.1. A gravity survey over the northern half covered c.
80 km2 (c. 1.3 station per km2), another similar survey with lower
station density covered the southern half. Only residual anomalies over
the northern half can be assessed. A low density infill structure,
bounded by the northeastern marginal fault, is indicated by the elon-
gated contours of the residual Bouguer anomaly pattern (amplitude c.
-5 to -7 mgal) with its axis outlining the subsidence centre of a fault-
controlled structure.
Sparse structural data of the Tarutung Basin do not support the
interpretation that it represents a symmetrical pull-apart structure
caused by an unrestrained movement of two opposing crustal blocks
that would produce steeply dipping master faults at the margins of the
basin (Rahe et al., 1998). Basile and Brun (1999) found that the
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Journal of Asian Earth Sciences 170 (2019) 316–328
geometry of symmetrical pull-apart basins can be described by an as-
pect ratio of average length l to average width w. A ratio (2.4 < l/
w < 4.3) was found for 11 pull-apart basins along the North Anatolian
fault zone (Guerbuez, 2010). However, the dimensions in Fig. 6.1 (area
28.5 km2 and av. width of 1.85 km) indicate an av. aspect ratio l/w = 8
for the Tarutung Basin that is outside the upper boundary listed by
Guerbuez (2010).
A local micro-earthquake (MEQ) study in 2011 by Muksin et al.
(2013) provided additional, structure-related information. The survey
delineated a c. 12 km long and c. 8 km wide zone of hypo-centers that
occur beneath the Tarutung Basin and its adjacent shoulders (Fig. 6.2
shows mainly events at 4 to 10 km focal depth). Further south, the
width of the active zone narrows to a c. 3 km wide strip that can be
traced as a characteristic seismicity pattern for another 20 km to the
southeast up to the Silangkitang prospect. It is hosted by a fracture zone
that is bounded by the active Tor Sibohi – and the almost parallel
Hutajulu strike slip faults on the NE- and SW margin respectively
(Fig. 6.2). Spacing and location of seismometers were not adequate to
locate events with focal depths > 12 km to the southeast of the Dono-
tasik field. The total number of located events in the southern sector
from Donotasik to Sibualbuali is c 70% of all (n = 2586) events re-
corded thus indicating enhanced seismicity in the southern half of the
area shown in Fig. 1.
The extended axis of the aligned seismicity zone from the NIL and
the Silangkitang sectors runs through the elongated gravity anomaly
low of the Tarutung Basin (Fig. 6.1.). The anomaly contours outline the
axis of a major subsidence structure that can be interpreted as a special
case of a trans-tensional pull-apart basin described by studies of Wu
et al. (2009) and Basile and Brun (1999). The widening of the active
seismicity zone in the northern half of the Tarutung Basin is probably
associated with tectonic activity along minor cross faults. The decrease
M. Nukman, M.P. Hochstein Journal of Asian Earth Sciences 170 (2019) 316–328

Fig. 4. Plot of log T (K-Mg geothermometer) versus log SiO2 concentration of Tarutung and Sarulla Block thermal springs (T (K-Mg) from Giggenbach, 1986); for
location of springs see Fig. 1.

of shallow micro earthquakes and the closure of the gravity anomalies
indicates a ‘blocking structure’ at the northeastern end of the Tarutung
Basin. A few events (4–10 km focal depth) were still observed northwest
of the Ria-Ria site. A left lateral cross fault has been mapped lying close
to the inferred blocking structure; it is associated with a few minor
(Type 3) acidic springs (Nukman and Moeck, 2013).
Analysis of seismic velocities in the Muksin et al. (2013) study
showed that beneath the large caldera-like structure (eastern rift
shoulder) deposits with low Vp values (c. 3 km/s) and anomalously
high Vp/Vs ratios (c.1.85) were encountered that can be interpreted in
terms of thick, saturated volcanic sediments. Low Vp/Vs ratios (< 1.6)
are characteristic for ray paths of shallow events beneath the axial area

Fig. 5. Plot of log (K2/Ca) versus log CO2 (fugacity) of Tarutung and Sarulla Block thermal springs (after Giggenbach, 1988); for location of springs see Fig. 1.

323
M. Nukman, M.P. Hochstein
Fig. 6.1. Residual gravity anomaly and selected MT resistivity structures of the Tarutung Basin. The gravity anomaly pattern was taken from Djudjun (2005), the MT
structures from Niasari et al. (2011).
of the Tarutung Basin. Similar low ratios were found for shallow events
along the southeastern central strip of the Sumatra Fault zone up to the
Donotasik prospect. High fluid content and significant fracturing (or
porosity) of rocks are also indicated for shallow ray paths in the rift
southeast of the Pianor springs with high Vp/Vs ratios (> 1.8) for
events at > 3 km depth. In New Zealand, similar high ratios (i.e. > 1.8)
were observed within geothermal fields standing in young volcanic
rocks and pyroclastics in the Taupo Volcanic Zone whereas low ratios
(< 1.6) controlled wave paths in basement structures within the same
volcanic zone (Bannister et al., 2015).
Seismic monitoring with the PASSCAL Toba network in 1995 (Fauzi
et al., 1996; Koulakov et al., 2009) involved monitoring of seismicity
within a large area centred on Lake Toba using wide spacings between
seismometers (with 4 stations located in the area covered by Fig. 1).
Epicentres of recorded shallow earthquakes (< 13 km focal depth) also
outline the aligned seismicity belt along the SFS between Tarutung
Basin and Sibualbuali Volcano. This finding confirms the location of the
same seismicity belt recorded in 2011 by Muksin et al. (2013). The
324
Journal of Asian Earth Sciences 170 (2019) 316–328
Koulakov et al. network data also allowed identification of earthquakes
with focal depths > 50 km. At least three of such deep events were
located beneath the suspected large subsidence structure beneath the
eastern shoulder of the Tarutung Basin (Fig. 6.2). Ten other deep events
(> 50 km depth) occurred beneath the western shoulder of the Sumatra
Fault belt (Fig. 6.2) indicating a deep crustal activity trend that links up
with the deep seismic activity pattern beneath the southern shore of
Lake Toba (Koulakov et al., 2009).
4.2. Sedimentary basins within the Sarulla segment of the Sumatra Fault
Zone
Our assessment of basin and graben structures that are associated
with the four high temperature geothermal prospects in the Sarulla
License Block is based mainly on data presented by Soenaryo (1992),
Wijaya (1996), Gunderson et al. (1995), Gunderson et al. (2000), and
Hickman et al. (2004). Pull-apart tectonics had also been predicted for
several basin and graben structures along the Sumatra Fault Zone
M. Nukman, M.P. Hochstein
Fig. 6.2. Micro earthquake epicenters (green circles) with focal depths < 12 km recorded in 2011 over the Tarutung Basin and the NW-Sarulla sector (from Muksin
et al., 2013); epicentres of deep events (red circles) with > 50 km focal depths were taken from the 1995 Toba network (Fauzie et al., 1996) and the study of
Koulakov et al. (2009).
(Muraoka et al., 2010).
Gravity- and resistivity reconnaissance surveys were undertaken by
the Sarulla Block license holder (UNOCAL) prior to 1994. Results of a
gravity survey across the NIL prospect along a c.12 km long, northeast
running profile (almost normal to the Hutajulu Fault) were already
available in 2004 (S. Sudarman, pers. com.). A large residual gravity
anomaly (c. – 20 mgal) at the northeastern end of the NIL profile in-
dicated a half-graben structure infilled with up to 1.2 km of Quaternary
volcanic debris and c. 0.5 km thick Tertiary sediments. The structure
was confirmed by the first NIL exploration wells that encountered a
high temperature reservoir with acidic feeder structures near the
southwestern end of the profile. Allowing for the vicinity of the NIL and
the Sipoholon gravity profiles and their geological settings, a maximum
thickness of pyroclastic debris of the order of 0.5 km can be predicted
for the northern half of the Tarutung Basin using the average density
data from the NIL profile.
A half-graben structure, similar to that of the NIL prospect, is also
indicated by another residual gravity anomaly along a 7 km long,
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Journal of Asian Earth Sciences 170 (2019) 316–328
northeast-southwest trending profile that runs across the Silangkitang
Basin (Hickman et al., 2004). Here, the half-graben starts from the
active Tor Sibohi Fault (TSF). The gravity anomaly reflects the effect of
a c.1.6 km deep infill of volcanic debris and sediments (Quartenary and
Tertiary) on the down-thrown side of the fault with the thinning sedi-
ment wedge extending c. 7 km to the southwest. The centre of high
temperature thermal activity is associated with the Tor Sibohi fault
zone. Core studies showed that enhanced geothermal circulation is
confined to that fault zone (Moore et al., 2001).
Adjacent to the SE of the Silangkitang prospect, a southeast trending
graben structure (the Sarulla Graben) has been mapped by Hickman
et al. (2004) that hosts the thermal manifestations of the Donotasik
field. These manifestations can be traced over at least 6 km along the
major northeastern boundary fault (Soenaryo, 1992; Hochstein and
Sudarman, 2008). The field appears to be sandwiched between the two
major strike- slip faults, the Tor Sibohi Fault along the northeastern
margin and the parallel Rebean Fault along the southwestern boundary.
The up to 2 km wide graben extends over c. 15 km (Hickman et al.,
M. Nukman, M.P. Hochstein
2004) although the thickness of its infill is not known. At the north-
eastern end, geothermal manifestations can be found along both major
faults; a trans-tensional pull-apart model for the graben is a possible
interpretation.
The Sibualbuali thermal field is hosted by the Sibualbuali strato-
volcano whose manifestations include several large fumarole fields and
steam-heated acid sulfate manifestations over the upper northeastern
slopes and a few neutral pH hot springs (samples # 19, # 20, #21,
Table 2) over outflows beneath the outer southwestern slopes
(Soenaryo,1992; Wijaya,1996; Gunderson et al., 2000; Hochstein and
Sudarman, 2008). Four deep wells were drilled before 1997 with three
wells intersecting the major Tor Sibohi fault zone. Two wells en-
countered dacitic rocks (mainly ash-flow tuffs) in the lower c. 1.5 km
thick section of the two deepest wells covered, in turn, by up to 0.5 km
thick andesitic rocks with inter-layered lacustrine sediments (Wijaya,
1996). A regional gravity survey outlined areas with negative residual
gravity anomalies surrounding the volcano, indicating an underlying
thick sedimentary or tuff-filled basin (Gunderson et al., 2000). The
basin had not been reached by the c. 2 km deep wells. Hickman et al.
(2004) suggested that the Sibualbuali volcano had developed over a
concealed releasing step between two parallel, right- lateral strike slip
faults with the Tor Sibohi Fault on the northeastern side. It can now be
identified as the major strike-slip fault that connects all geothermal
fields in the Sarulla block and in the Tarutung Basin.
However, sedimentary basin and graben structures in the Sarulla
Block do not support symmetrical pull-apart models. The prediction of
pull-apart basins for this sector of the Sumatra Fault Zone (Muraoka
et al. (2010)) requires some review. However, asymmetrical pull-apart
models could produce the half-graben structures of the NIL and the
Silangkitang basins. Because of on-going commercial developments of
the NIL- and the Silangkitang fields, further information about the
structure of both fields has been kept confidential. The geometry of the
Sarulla Graben that hosts the Donotasik thermal field can be interpreted
in terms of a trans-tensional pull-apart basin, similar to that proposed
for the Taratung Basin. Not much, however, is known whether the in-
ferred Sibualbuali basin beneath the strato-volcano is associated with
pull-apart basin structures.
5. Summary (Conceptual models)
The Sipoholon geothermal system is one of five geothermal pro-
spects that have been investigated along a coherent, c. 100 km long
segment of the seismically active Sumatra Fault system in North Central
Sumatra, Indonesia. Four prospects in the Sarulla Block area have been
explored since 1987; the exploration led to the development of two high
temperature reservoirs: Silangkitang (SIL) and Namora-I-Langit (NIL)
for power production (Wolf and Gabbay, 2015) and their completion of
initial developments in 2017 (www.powermag.com/sarulla).
The fifth and northern-most prospect, the Sipoholon-Tarutung pro-
ject, was explored after 2000 by the Indonesian Geological Survey
(Badan Geologi). Follow-up exploration and training studies were un-
dertaken after 2005 as co-operation projects between the Badan
Geologi and the GFZ Potsdam earth-science programs. Results of MT-
resistivity surveys (Niasari et al., 2011), micro-earthquake studies
(Muksin et al., 2013), structural mapping (Nukman and Moeck, 2013),
and a study of thermal constituents (Brehme et al., 2017) have already
been published. Results of several Indonesian surveys, including a
gravity survey, have also been been presented (Djudjun, 2005).
The geochemical composition of thermal fluids from the four
‘Sarulla Block’ fields differs significantly from that of thermal springs
along the Tarutung Basin (Fig. 3). The composition of thermal springs
around the basin shows clear zonation of major anion components such
as Cl and SO4 contents (Fig. 2.2). Seven small springs on the flanks of
the two young volcanoes (Mt. Imun and Mt. Martimbang) at the NW
and SE end of the basin respectively discharge bicarbonate waters with
low mineralization (Type 1 thermal water), transferring only c. 0.7 MW
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Journal of Asian Earth Sciences 170 (2019) 316–328
anomalous heat (temperature of springs between 32 and 38 °C). Their
discharge appears to be controlled by minor advective flows from small
inferred residual conduit pockets within each volcanic centre but are
not part of the Tarutung Basin resource.
The fault-controlled springs along the northeast side of the basin
discharge bicarbonate-sulfate (Type 2) waters with significant miner-
alization that transfer c. 19 MW anomalous heat thus pointing to a se-
parate elongated reservoir although c. 90% of the heat is discharged by
two groups of springs (#6 and # 12). Thermal fluids, with minor Cl but
significant Ca concentration, are discharged by seven HCO3-SO4 (Type
2) springs over a distance of c. 20 km. The springs are confined to the
Tor Sibohi Fault zone that outlines the northeastern edge of the basin
(discharge temperature between 36 and 63 °C). Another Type 2 group
of springs (Panabungan # 12) occur over the eastern shoulder, c. 5 km
to the east from the major strike slip fault (Fig. 2.2). These springs lie
within a large topographic depression that has affinity with a caldera -
like structure (Nukman and Moeck, 2013) and could support advective
thermal flows moving to the northeastern fracture zone. The SO4 con-
tent of the Panabungan springs (#12) is lower (c. 270 mg/kg) than that
of other Type 2 springs (450 to 1000 mg/kg) discharging along the
fracture zone.
Source and origin of Type 2 fluids are yet unknown but it is possible
that they derive from a source near the northeastern margin of the basin
that also supplies by inclined up-flow the Panabungan springs within
the large subsidence structure in the eastern quarter. The presence of
minor magmatic gasses in the northwest spring complex (Ria-Ria, #6)
supports a crustal thermal input into the fault zone hosting Type 2
thermal waters. Deep fluid interactions could induce the observed large
CO2 gas discharges along the major (TSF) fault zone from yet unknown,
concealed Paleozoic limestone deposits.
Assuming that a thermal fluid reservoir is confined to a wide
northeastern fracture zone that stores Type 2 thermal waters, such a
reservoir could cover an area of < 10 km2 (Fig. 7). Small and in-
coherent low resistivity structures within the top 0.5 km of the basin
can reflect thermal alteration by fluids that entered the basin via the
inferred trans-tensional axial fracture zone (Fig. 6.2). However, thermal
manifestations have not been found over the inferred fracture zone.
Since fluids with Type 2 chemical affinity are discharged by the PNB
springs (# 12), c. 5 km northeast from the major northeastern fault, an
extended thermal reservoir beneath the W margin of the subsidence
bowl has been inferred by Muksin et al. (2013). We noted that the creek
pattern in Fig. 6.1 around the greater PNB springs area (# 12) point to a
general northeast to southwest subsurface drainage pattern that could
induce advective flows across the subsidence bowl similar to flows in
other heat sweep settings (Hochstein et al. 2013). However, additional
Fig. 7. Conceptual model of the Tarutung geothermal system.
M. Nukman, M.P. Hochstein
surface manifestations have not been observed over the subsidence
bowl. Thus a satisfactory explanation cannot be given for the source of
the PNB springs without results from future exploratory drilling.
A low to medium temperature reservoir could occur beneath the
eastern strand of the Basin covering an area of < 10 km2. The chal-
cedony/amorphous silica geothermometers of Type 2 spring waters
point to ascending fluid temperature between 50 and 80 °C for all
thermal springs in the Tarutung Basin and those discharging over the
northeastern strand. If re-equilibration has occurred, the SiO2 geo-
thermometer would also yield mid-point temperatures during the non-
adiabatic ascent of hot fluids. Some springs could flow through gas lift
(for example #6 and # 17). The isolated western Tarutung springs in
Fig. 4 appear to derive their SiO2 content mainly from equilibration
with amorphous silica (shallow deposits), whereas the eastern Tarutung
springs derive their SiO2 content from deeper silica minerals such as
chalcedony. In contrast, the SiO2 geothermometer data for the four
convective high temperature systems in the Sarulla Block point to
equilibrium temperatures between c. 130–200 °C indicating re-equili-
bration with chalcedony and quartz (Fig. 4). A deep crustal heat source
beneath the Sipoholon prospect is indicated by inert gases such as (He-
Ar-N2) that are typical for subduction zone gases, and were observed by
Halldorsson et al. at the Ria Ria site (#6).
In summary, we can state that the Sipoholon prospect is most likely
a low temperature geothermal system as indicated by the composition
of the sampled thermal springs. It is doubtful whether any reservoir
would yield high temperature fluids at economic depths as previously
predicted. The actual size and location of the reservoir(s) are not
known; it would require drilling of several deep temperature gradient
holes to confirm or reject the existence of a geothermal system that can
be exploited.
Acknowledgements
We thank Edi Suhanto of PSDG (Indonesian Geology Agency,
Bandung) for discussing the history of the Tarutung prospect at the
beginning of the project and the cooperation with GFZ-Potsdam. The
first author acknowledges the support of Inga Moeck, Kemal Erbas,
Makky S Jaya, Ernst Huenges, David Bruhn, Klaus Bauer, Fiorenza
Deon, Simona Regenspurg, and Maren Brehme during the Indonesia
Geothermal Project of GFZ–Potsdam (2010-2014). Traugott Scheytt and
Iris Pieper are thanked for the fluid samples analyses at the Chemistry
Lab, of TU Berlin (in 2012). Muksin Umar and Sintia W Niasari are
thanked for discussing the subsurface structure of Tarutung Basin based
on geophysical data (MEQ and MT). We also thank Sayogi Sudarman
for discussing old geophysical surveys of the Sarulla Block systems. The
DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) and BMBF (German
Federal Ministry of Education and Research) supported the first author
during the field and laboratory work associated with the Indonesia
Geothermal Project of GFZ-Potsdam (2010-2014) that was funded by
BMBF under Grant 03G0753A. Constructive comments from an anon-
ymous reviewer and Stuart F Simmons are much appreciated. The au-
thors are also indebted to Professor Khin Zaw for his useful suggestions
and editorial handling.
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