Coal boosts RI non-oil, gas exports

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The robust demand for coal in the global market is one of the main driver's behind a 79.53 percent jump in the nation's first two-month non-oil and gas exports, a Central Statistics Agency (BPS) official said.

As stated in the latest BPS report, non-oil and gas exports rose in 2004 to US$9.95 billion as compared to $7.61 billion posted in the corresponding period last year.

Overall, the mining sector saw its exports rise by 142 percent to $1.08 billion in the January-February period from $444.4 million in the same period last year, said BPS exports statistic subdirectorate head Dantes Simbolon on Monday.

"The main driver in the mining sector was coal. As oil prices soared to above $50 per barrel, countries were seeking cheaper alternative energy sources. They then turned to coal," Dantes said.

Coal exports almost doubled from $357.5 million in January- February last year to $711 million this year.

The increasing demand for coal started last year and it would very likely continue this year, Dantes added.

"Although it might be too soon to predict at this time of year, the first two months exports show promising prospects for coal, along with other mining products," he said.

Other than coal, exports of ores, slag and ash also showed an impressive performance to reach $374.8 million in the first two months of the year or about triple last year's $88 million in the same period.

Indonesia exported 105.63 million tons of coal worth $2.75 billion last year compared to the previous year's 89.02 million tons worth $1.98 billion.

RI top coal export markets in 2004*

Countries Net weight Value

(million tons) (US$ million)

Japan 20,072 590.85
South Korea 10,441 253.02
Taiwan 15,525 443.61
Hong Kong 6,066 151.27
India 7,378 150.02
Malaysia 5,161 135.67

Note: Only exports on bituminous coal
Source: Central Statistics Agency