Bahlil Reveals Details of Coal Supply for PLN Power Plants

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Energy and Mineral Resources Minister (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia has confirmed that the availability of coal for PLN (Persero) power plants remains secure and safeguarded, particularly as the ongoing process of organising the coal RKAB (Work Plan and Budget) continues. According to Bahlil, the RKAB adjustment is being undertaken to align production plans with market needs, both domestic and global, while also maintaining price stability. This step is expected to balance production volume with the economic value obtained by business players, without neglecting sustainability and environmental preservation.

‘The RKAB for coal and nickel is indeed being arranged; we are making adjustments. Why are we arranging it? because we are calculating carefully between supply and demand. Ideally our coal production should be large, the volume big, but the price must also be good,’ Bahlil said at a press conference, cited Wednesday (4 March 2026).

He revealed that the current reality is different. Indonesia produces up to 43% of the world’s coal demand, expected to reach 1.3 billion tonnes, yet prices in the global market are falling. This condition arises because prices are determined by the international market mechanism, not entirely by domestic producers.

‘We supply around 500 to 550 million tonnes. But what happens? the price isn’t controlled by us; the price is controlled by outside. Ideally the price would be good because of supply and demand, (but in reality) supply is large, demand is small, so the price becomes low,’ he said.

He emphasised that natural resources are strategic assets that must be managed responsibly to ensure sustainability for future generations. He reminded that every mining activity should not be solely oriented toward economic profit but also carried out carefully and wisely, balancing economic value and environmental preservation.

For domestic needs, especially for supplying power plants, RKAB adjustments are undertaken with priority given to national needs including PLN. ‘For PLN’s needs, I assure you that up to March-April, no issue,’ he explained.

The government continues to monitor coal supply for power plants, paying attention to quality and economically viable prices, so that domestic supply is guaranteed and businesses receive fair prices.