Energy Minister Denies Coal Crisis, Confirms Safe Stockpiles for Power Plants

Jakarta – Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has assured the nation that coal availability for steam-powered power plants (PLTU) remains in safe condition and meets minimum national standards.

During a plenary cabinet session at the State Palace in Jakarta on Friday, Bahlil stated that reports suggesting coal stockpiles for power plants are depleted do not reflect actual ground conditions.

Based on data received by the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry, average coal availability across all steam-powered power plants—both state-owned and private independent power producers (IPPs)—currently stands at approximately 14 days of supply.

The minister emphasised that the government has also implemented a Domestic Market Obligation (DMO) policy requiring coal companies to prioritise domestic supply before exporting. Under this policy, coal firms are mandated to prioritise supplies for domestic needs before conducting any exports.

According to Bahlil, the government will not issue export permits unless domestic coal requirements have been fully met.

He stressed that coal is a state-owned natural resource whose management has been granted to companies through concessions, meaning its utilisation must be prioritised for national interests.

“Because coal is state property, not company property. We grant entrepreneurs concessions, but the contents belong to the state, so the orientation should be towards the state,” said Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia.