ESDM Approves 150 Million Tonnes of Nickel for 2026 RKAB

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has approved nickel production permits within the 2026 Work Plan and Budget (RKAB), totalling around 150 million tonnes.

Director General of Mineral and Coal (Dirjen Minerba) at the Ministry of ESDM, Tri Winarno, emphasised that the approval process for RKABs covering both coal and nickel is still underway and is expected to be fully completed soon.

“It could be above 150,” said Tri when met at the Coordinating Ministry for the Economy on Friday (27/3/2026).

On the other hand, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, assured that there have been no changes to coal production policies within the 2026 RKAB as of now.

However, the government is open to production adjustments through a cautious relaxation scheme, in line with the current rise in commodity prices.

“I say, I say that first, there are no policy changes. But we will follow developments by implementing measured relaxation,” said Bahlil at the same location.

According to Bahlil, this measured relaxation allows for additional production volumes, with the main condition being that commodity prices remain at profitable levels and supply-demand balance is maintained.

“With the note that the price must be good and supply and demand balanced. And most importantly, all our domestic needs must be fulfilled,” said Bahlil.

He explained that this policy will apply to both coal and nickel commodities. The government does not want excessive production that would instead suppress market prices.

For example, if industrial needs are only 300 million tonnes, production should not significantly exceed that figure. Because if it does, prices will certainly plummet.