Energy Minister Dismisses Coal Supply Concerns, Bahlil: Average Stock at 14 Days
Jakarta — Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has dismissed reports suggesting that coal supplies for domestic power generation are in crisis or becoming depleted.
Bahlil assured that coal availability for power plants remains secure at an average reserve level of 14 days, meeting Indonesia’s minimum national energy security standards. He made these remarks before President Prabowo Subianto during a Full Cabinet Session at the State Palace on Friday, 13 March 2026, addressing the actual condition of coal stocks for coal-fired power plants (PLTU).
He emphasised that energy reserves at various power generation facilities, both state-owned and private, are being monitored and remain sufficient to support operations.
“We report to you, sir, that for all PLTUs, whether operated by Independent Power Producers (IPP) or PLN, coal availability currently averages 14 days. So this is still within national minimum standards,” Bahlil stated.
He assured that the government maintains full control over the production and distribution of mining commodities in Indonesia.
To secure coal supplies for power plants, the government has implemented regulations through approval of the Work Plan and Budget (RKAB) of mining companies. The government requires mining firms to meet Domestic Market Obligation (DMO) requirements before coal export licences are granted.
“We have even prepared a ministerial regulation stipulating that all coal products we produce must first meet domestic requirements, with only the remainder available for export,” Bahlil explained.
Responding to the report, President Prabowo issued firm directives regarding the governance of natural resources. He reiterated that all natural wealth, including coal, belongs entirely to the state and must be prioritised for public benefit.
“I emphasise here that it is correct that all coal production is prioritised for our national energy needs. All natural wealth must belong to the nation—I must stress that,” Prabowo concluded.