Coal for Electricity, Bahlil: This is About Survival Mode, Don't Sacrifice Our People

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia stated that the utilisation of coal as a source for steam power plants cannot be overlooked. According to him, Indonesia still requires coal to maintain the stability of national energy supply and prices, preventing any increases. “I have decided, I say let’s proceed with coal. This is about survival mode. We are talking about efficiency. Don’t sacrifice our people with high electricity prices,” Bahlil explained, quoted from Antara on Sunday (3/5/2026). Domestic needs, both for the electricity sector and non-electricity sectors, reach around 254 million tonnes. Then there are 514 million tonnes exported abroad to boost state foreign exchange. “Now America is opening options for coal. In Europe, they are opening options for coal, and there are requests to us for 20 million tonnes per year,” said Bahlil. National energy resilience is currently the government’s focus. The entry of oil from Russia will ensure national energy resilience. “For me, the most important thing is that all our stocks are available. And for (crude oil) from Russia, it will enter soon,” Bahlil stated on Saturday (2/5/2026). However, Bahlil did not detail how many barrels of oil will come from Russia. The government is currently focusing on the availability of fuel oil (BBM), starting with diesel and petrol with various octane ratings.