Minister Bahlil Reveals PLN's Coal Supply Status, 20 Million Tonnes Short

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has just held a meeting with Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto. The meeting discussed, among other things, the condition of coal supply for power plants owned by PT PLN (Persero).

Bahlil explained that the meeting’s agenda included discussing compensation and subsidy payments to PLN. This is to ensure the state-owned electricity company has adequate capability to provide maximum service to the public.

He further elaborated that, broadly speaking, the coal supply situation for PLN’s power plants is not problematic. Currently, out of a total requirement of 154 million tonnes of coal for PLN in 2026, the company has already secured contracts for 134 million tonnes.

“So there is a remaining shortfall of around 18 to 20 million tonnes. Overall, there is no problem,” Bahlil stated when met at the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs office on Thursday (18/6/2026).

To prevent any supply shortages, Bahlil said his ministry has formed a coal procurement team, a move that has been approved by President Prabowo Subianto. The procurement team consists of the Directorate General of Minerals and Coal at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, the Ministry’s Inspectorate General, the Development and Finance Comptroller (BPKP), and PLN.

“The purpose is to ensure there are no technical issues. Even if the coal is available and the Ministry has assigned PLN to procure it, if it is not executed, the coal will not reach the power plant. This requires collaboration, cooperation, and transparency, including on pricing. This is all part of moral accountability,” Bahlil clarified.