Bahlil to Implement Measured Coal Relaxation, Here's What It Means

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - The Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, has revealed that the government is preparing options for a measured relaxation in coal and nickel production. This policy will be implemented flexibly, following the dynamics of prices and global market conditions.

According to Bahlil, there has been no change in production policy to date. However, the government is open to adjustments through a cautious relaxation scheme.

“I say, I say that first, there is no policy change at all. But we will follow developments by implementing a measured relaxation,” Bahlil stated at the Coordinating Ministry for the Economy on Friday (27/3/2026).

He explained that this measured relaxation would allow for an increase in production volume, with the main condition being that commodity prices remain at a profitable level and the balance of supply and demand is maintained.

“With the condition that the price must be good and the supply and demand must be maintained. And most importantly, all our domestic needs must be fulfilled,” Bahlil said.

This policy will apply to both coal and nickel commodities. The government does not want excess production to instead pressure market prices.

For example, if industrial needs are only 300 million tonnes, production should not significantly exceed that figure. If it does, prices will certainly plummet.

“I don’t want our mining entrepreneur brothers to be valued at low prices. If the price is good, the state gets good royalties, the entrepreneurs also benefit. Then the people who work also get good impacts,” he said.