Bahlil Warns Coal Business Owners: Mandatory DMO or No Exports

Jakarta — Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has issued a warning to coal business owners to prioritise fulfilling domestic coal demand through the Domestic Market Obligation (DMO) scheme.

Bahlil stated that all coal companies that have submitted their Work Plan and Budget (RKAB) have been mandated to meet their DMO obligations before conducting any exports.

He emphasised that if domestic coal demand is not met, the government will not issue export licences to companies failing to comply with DMO requirements.

“Coal companies that have already submitted their RKAB are now required to fulfil the DMO. If domestic national demand is not adequately met, we will not issue export permits,” Bahlil said during a Full Cabinet Session at the State Palace on 17 March 2026.

Additionally, Bahlil noted that the government had received reports indicating that coal supplies for steam power plants (PLTU) were beginning to dwindle. However, he disputed these claims.

According to government data, coal availability across all power plants — both those owned by state utility PLN and independent power producers (IPP) — currently averages 14 days of supply, which remains within the national minimum standard threshold.

“We report that for all PLTU, whether owned by IPP or PLN, coal availability currently averages 14 days. This remains within the national minimum standard,” he said.