ESDM Temporarily Halted Coal Exports to Secure PLN Electricity Supply

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has revealed it temporarily suspended the shipment of certain coal exports. This strategic measure was taken to guarantee the availability of coal with the calorific value specifications required as primary energy for PT PLN (Persero) power plants. Based on ESDM data, a total of 141 million metric tonnes (MT) of coal has now been secured. This amount covers the majority of the total projected annual national requirement of 154 million MT. ESDM Spokesperson Dwi Anggia explained that the export volume adjustment was carried out solely to maintain PLN’s operational stability. However, she confirmed that the distribution condition is now conducive. “This measure was taken as part of the ESDM Ministry’s supervisory function as a regulator. As the domestic supply condition has improved, coal export activities have now returned to normal,” Anggi said in an official statement on Saturday (27/6). Going forward, Anggi stressed that the procurement process of primary energy for PLN will be monitored more strictly. This aims to strengthen risk mitigation against potential future electricity supply disruptions. The supervision will be carried out collaboratively by a joint team. According to Anggi, the involvement of various agencies is appropriate to ensure mining companies’ compliance with the Domestic Market Obligation (DMO) policy. “The supervisory measure is taken to ensure that DMO obligations are properly implemented to guarantee the availability of coal supply for electricity,” she added. The government asserted that no new rules or additional restrictions will be imposed in the near future. The main focus currently is enforcing existing regulations to run more effectively and consistently. One of the main references in this supervision is Law Number 2 of 2025 concerning the Fourth Amendment to Law Number 4 of 2009 on Mineral and Coal Mining. This regulation specifically governs the domestic supply obligation 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 state revenue through exports.