Energy Minister Reports Coal Stocks for Coal-Fired Power Plants Remain Safe for 14 Days

JAKARTA — Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has stated that average coal stocks for coal-fired power plants (PLTU) are sufficient for 14 days of operation.

Bahlil reported this information to President Prabowo Subianto during a Full Cabinet Session at the State Palace on Friday (13 March 2026).

On this occasion, Bahlil refuted reports claiming that coal stocks for PLTU have been depleted. “We report to you that for all PLTU, whether independent power producers (IPP) or state-owned by PLN, coal availability currently averages 14 days,” Bahlil said.

He stated that the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry has mandated coal-producing companies that have submitted Work Plans and Budget Costs (RKAB) to fulfil domestic market obligations (DMO). Companies failing to meet DMO requirements will not receive export recommendations from the Energy Ministry.

“So what this means is our orientation is towards domestic needs,” Bahlil explained.

The Golkar Party Chairman continued, noting that the Energy Ministry is currently drafting a Ministerial Decision (Kepmen) that would require all coal producers to meet domestic demand. Only after these requirements are satisfied will they be permitted to export coal abroad. He emphasised that coal is state-owned natural wealth, not corporate property.

“Coal belongs to the state, not to companies. We grant entrepreneurs concessions, but the resources themselves belong to the state, so the orientation is for the state,” Bahlil stated firmly.

After domestic demand is met, mining and plantation products can then be sold abroad.

President Prabowo also agreed with Bahlil that all such products are state-owned, not corporate-owned. “Business is permitted, but ownership belongs to the Indonesian nation. I emphasise that all natural resources belong to my nation,” Prabowo stated firmly.