Bahlil States Coal RKAB Remains Unchanged, Nickel Reference Price to Increase
Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia has emphasised that the government will not make changes to the Coal Work Plan and Budget (RKAB). However, on the other hand, the government has decided to increase the Reference Mineral Price (HPM) for nickel.
This policy was conveyed by Bahlil following a coordination meeting with several ministers at the Office of the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, Jakarta, on Friday (27/3).
“Regarding the RKAB (coal), there will be no changes. What we will do is implement measured relaxation,” Bahlil stated.
He explained that the measured relaxation is intended to safeguard a secure coal supply as a domestic energy source. The government, he said, will prioritise domestic interests while adjusting production to global market conditions.
“What is the definition of measured relaxation? Coal is an energy source we have. Therefore, we will uphold domestic interests,” emphasised the Golkar Party politician.
In addition, the government will also maintain the supply and demand of coal to balance production.
The government, he continued, will also consider coal price movements in the market when determining production levels. If commodity prices are in good condition, production will be increased. Conversely, if prices decline, production will be adjusted to market demand to maintain stability. The Ministry of ESDM has approved the coal RKAB at 390 million tonnes for 2026.
“We will pay attention to supply and demand. If prices continue to be good, we will also produce more. But if prices fall, we will adjust to market demand,” he stressed.
He added that the government’s primary priority is to ensure domestic needs are met, from the electricity sector to the fertiliser industry.
“What is the objective? We must prioritise our domestic interests. We want all of PLN’s needs to be fulfilled, fertiliser. Then domestic industries must all be met. This is what we will do,” he said.
Regarding the nickel commodity, the government will apply a similar approach by maintaining a balance between supply and demand to keep prices stable.
“For nickel, we will also create a balance between supply and demand in its RKAB. Whatever our factory needs, that is what we will produce. So that the price does not fall either,” he added.
He then confirmed that the government has decided to increase the HPM for nickel.
“So the standard reference price for nickel, we will raise it,” Bahlil said.