Purbaya: Coal Export Duty to Be Set Soon
Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa stated that the government will set the coal export duty rate and production targets in the 2026 Work and Budget Plan (RKAB) through a meeting scheduled for Thursday (26/3).
This decision will refer to the President’s directives, although the technical details still need to be refined before being announced to the public.
Purbaya explained that the government also plans to adjust the coal production targets in the 2026 RKAB by encouraging an increase in production this year. However, the exact target figure is still awaiting the outcome of joint discussions.
“We will decide in tomorrow’s meeting. But clearly, the President has directed a certain figure, so there are no issues,” Purbaya said in Jakarta on Wednesday (25/3).
Although it has a reference figure from the President regarding the coal export duty rate, Purbaya said the final decision will still be set after considering industry readiness, particularly its impact on business profitability.
He explained that the government does not solely base decisions on industry wishes but calculates carefully how far the policy can affect company performance and profits. Moreover, current coal prices are still considered high, at above US$135 per ton, so the room for policy adjustments is deemed necessary to study in depth.
“Current coal prices are considered high above US$135 per ton. We must discuss whether the industry can accept it, not just what they want regarding profitability or what the coal company leaders want,” explained the state treasurer.
Furthermore, Purbaya emphasised that the export duty policy will still be implemented in accordance with the President’s directives, considering the balance between state revenues and industry conditions. According to him, this is important because revenues from the export duty will affect the state budget structure, including deficit calculations.
In addition, he mentioned changes in the issuance of Work and Budget Plan (RKAB) approvals. However, this depends on the policies of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM).
“The RKAB plan may be changed. But it depends on what the ESDM ministry decides later. But clearly, it will be changed,” he concluded.