Economic Lifeline from the Black-Dense Commodities of the Earth's Belly

Coal is the economic lifeline flowing from the depths of the earth into everyday life, powering electricity, driving industry, and supporting state revenues. Jakarta (ANTARA) - From the depths of the earth’s belly, something black and dense is lifted to the surface. It does not sparkle like gold, nor is it as glamorous as oil, which often grabs the headlines. Yet this commodity has long underpinned Indonesia’s economic pulse. That is coal. This black organic sedimentary material may appear as just ordinary mining matter. But for Indonesia, it is much more than that. Coal is the economic breath flowing from the earth’s interior to daily life, lighting up electricity, powering industry, and bolstering state revenues. Its role is even more pronounced amid uncertain global dynamics. Geopolitical tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran, energy supply disruptions due to dynamics in the Strait of Hormuz, and surges in oil and gas prices position coal as a self-supplied energy source. In this commodity market, Indonesia holds a strategic position as one of the world’s major producers. National coal production has recorded positive performance. In 2024, production reached 836 million tonnes before stabilising at a high of 790 million tonnes in 2025. The majority of production, 65 percent, is exported, valued at US$24.5 billion, proving that this commodity is a crucial source of foreign exchange for the nation. These figures are not mere statistics but reflect how coal forms one of the foundations of the national economy. Domestically, this commodity ensures the wheels of the economy keep turning, demonstrating its benefits extend beyond global markets. Around 254 million tonnes were used for domestic needs in 2025, primarily for power generation and strategic industries such as cement and fertiliser. Without sufficient supply, not only would lights go out, but industrial activities supporting the economy could also be disrupted. Moreover, coal’s journey no longer stops at being a fuel. From the earth’s depths, this commodity is now advancing further as a raw material for future eco-friendly industries through downstream processing. Coal can be processed into artificial graphite, a key component in electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Additionally, it can be utilised to produce potassium humate, which helps boost agricultural productivity and supports food self-sufficiency. Transformation