Kapuas River Dries Up, Preventing Coal Barges from Sailing

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has addressed the phenomenon of the Kapuas River drying up in West Kalimantan. The Kapuas River serves as a vital distribution route for coal via barges.

As the river’s water levels have dropped due to a prolonged drought over the last four months, coal transport barges have become stuck and unable to navigate. Addressing the situation, Deputy Minister of ESDM Yuliost Tanjung refuted claims that the operational delays were caused by production quota restrictions. He emphasised that the primary issue on the ground is purely technical, caused by the drastic reduction in river depth.

“No, it is not because production is being limited, because there is no water to float the barges. Yes, the river is drying up,” he stated when met during The 12th Indonesia EBTKE ConEx 2026 in Jakarta on Wednesday (2/9/2026).

The decrease in river discharge has directly impacted mining logistics mobilisation, particularly in East Kalimantan and surrounding areas. Coal transport vessels are reported to be stranded, forced to wait until water conditions allow for navigation to their destinations.

“No, no. I checked that yesterday in Kalimantan. Precisely because the river is drying up, the barges cannot move,” he added.

The phenomenon of the Kapuas River drying up has become a trending topic on social media. An Instagram post by the @atr.drone account showed a coal barge that has been grounded in the Kapuas River for almost three months.

The receding water levels in Kampung Sungai Raya, Sekadau Hilir District, Sekadau Regency, West Kalimantan, have created an unusual sight that has become a new attraction for the local community. The sight of a barge stranded in the middle of the river has drawn significant attention.

Sandbanks that are usually submerged at the bottom of the Kapuas River are now widely visible as the water level drops. This condition has been utilised by locals as a makeshift tourist spot for relaxing, gathering with families, and enjoying the sunset.

The receding Kapuas River has transformed what is usually a flowing river into an open space used by the community for recreation.