ESDM Temporarily Halted Coal Exports to Secure PLN Electricity Supply
The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has revealed that it previously implemented a temporary hold on certain coal exports. This strategic move was taken to guarantee the availability of coal with the specific calorific values required as primary energy for the power plants of PT PLN (Persero).
According to data from the Ministry of ESDM, 1lar 141 million metric tonnes (MT) of coal has currently been secured. This amount covers a large portion of the total projected national annual requirement of 154 million MT.
ESDM Ministry Spokesperson, Dwi Anggia, explained that the adjustment to export volumes was carried out solely to maintain the operational stability of PLN. However, she ensured that the distribution conditions are currently conducive.
“This step was taken as part of the ESDM Ministry’s supervisory function as a regulator. As domestic supply conditions improve, coal export activities have now returned to normal,” Anggi stated in an official statement on Saturday (27/6).
Moving forward, Anggi emphasised that the procurement process of primary energy for PLN will be monitored more strictly. This aims to strengthen risk mitigation against potential power supply disruptions in the future.
This supervision will be conducted collaboratively by a joint team consisting of various agencies. According to Anggi, the involvement of these various institutions is a standard procedure to ensure mining companies comply with the Domestic Market Obligation (DMO).
“Supervisory measures are being implemented to ensure that DMO obligations are properly fulfilled to guarantee the availability of coal supply for electricity generation,” she added.
The government emphasised that there are no new regulations or additional restrictions to be implemented in the near future. The primary focus at present is the enforcement of existing regulations to ensure they operate more effectively and consistently.
A key reference in this supervision is Law Number 2 of 2025 regarding the Fourth Amendment to Law Number 4 of 2009 concerning Mineral and Coal Mining. This regulation specifically governs domestic supply obligations for mining business permit holders.
To date, the government continues to monitor the balance between meeting domestic energy needs and the mining sector’s contribution to national foreign exchange through exports.