Government to Implement Export Duties on Coal-Nickel, Here's the Leaks
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - The Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, has revealed that the government is examining plans to impose export duties on processed nickel products, particularly nickel pig iron (NPI).
According to Bahlil, this is being done as an effort by the government to increase state revenues amid the current global uncertainties.
“Because in a situation like this for the country, we must seek many alternative sources of income. One of them is by pushing for the imposition of export taxes on downstream processing results,” said Bahlil when met at the Coordinating Ministry for the Economy, quoted on Monday (30/3/2026).
He explained that his side is still conducting calculations and studies regarding the appropriate formulation for implementing export duties on NPI products, including the scheme and the tariff rate.
“We are calculating the NPI, a nickel product. We are calculating this, yes. Once again, I am calculating the formulation for imposing taxes on NPI,” stated Bahlil.
Previously, Bahlil disclosed a special directive from President Prabowo Subianto. Particularly to increase state revenues from the natural resources sector, especially minerals.
According to Bahlil, Prabowo emphasised that national interests should be the top priority in managing natural resources, which are strategic national assets.
“The President instructed me to pay attention to the country’s interests, with priorities above everything else. And we must safeguard our natural resources; our natural resources are national assets,” said Bahlil after a limited meeting with the President in Hambalang, Bogor, on Wednesday (25/3/2026).
In that context, the Ministry of ESDM has been asked to seek new sources of revenue that have previously been deemed not to have provided optimal portions.
One of the steps being considered is the adjustment of the Mineral Reference Price (HPM) for nickel commodities, which has the potential to increase.
“The HPM for nickel will most likely be raised by me,” added Bahlil.