Bahlil and Purbaya Agree to Postpone Royalties and Export Duties on Mining Commodities

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia and Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa have agreed to postpone the application of royalties and export duties on mining commodities.

“In the meeting earlier, both ministers agreed to revisit the plan for implementing export duties and royalties. So, it is pending (postponed) for further discussion,” said ESDM Ministry Spokesperson Dwi Anggia when contacted from Jakarta on Wednesday.

In addition to this agreement, Anggia also conveyed that Bahlil and Purbaya discussed how the ESDM could maximise the potential for state revenues.

However, Anggia stated that the discussion between the two ministers had not yet touched on the impact of the weakening rupiah exchange rate against the dollar on fuel oil (BBM) prices and energy subsidies.

“Not yet, not yet to that point. This has just happened, right, the rate around Rp17,500,” said Anggia.

In the meeting, Purbaya stated his readiness to support the strategic steps prepared by the Ministry of ESDM, especially those impacting the strengthening of national economic foundations and improving public welfare.

“Fundamentally, every effort by the ESDM Minister will be supported by me,” said Purbaya in a written statement in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Purbaya highlighted the need for synergy between ministries to ensure that fiscal policies and the energy sector run in harmony to support national development.

“We discussed synchronisation programmes with the Finance Minister, including how to increase non-tax state revenues (PNBP), but also how to realise energy and rural electricity self-sufficiency programmes,” said Bahlil.

He also emphasised that the management and arrangement of state revenue potential in the ESDM sector needs to be carried out in an integrated manner. This step aims to ensure that the public and national development receive optimal benefits.