THE case of the geothermal power project of Karaha Bodas in Garut, West Java, is nearing its final stages. Despite the attempt to file an appeal in the US, PT Pertamina is still required to pay compensation to Karaha Bodas Company (KBC). Its value has even swollen to US$294 million (around Rp2.5 trillion) due to interest.

When the International Arbitration Body decided in favor of KBC in December 2000, the compensation fixed was only US$261 millio