Purbaya Says Prabowo Agrees on Coal Export Duty Rate, Could Proceed on 1 April
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has revealed that President Prabowo Subianto has approved the rate for export duties on coal and nickel commodities. The decision on the specific figure will be deliberated in an inter-ministerial meeting today, Thursday (26/3/2026).
“The important thing is that we will decide it in the meeting tomorrow. But clearly, the President has already leaned towards a certain figure, so there are no issues,” Purbaya stated at a Halal Bihalal event with journalists on Wednesday (26/3/2026).
Purbaya explained that although the exact figure has been directed towards a specific amount in line with the President’s instructions, the final decision will be taken after technical discussions are completed.
“The President said just that amount, but the technical aspects need to be refined, because once they’re mature, we announce it,” he said.
“The figure has been decided by the President, but the meeting can still discuss it first, then we can issue it as appropriate. But clearly, the export duty will be imposed in accordance with the President’s directive. It’s not me who decides, you know,” he added.
Purbaya also acknowledged that business actors are likely not to fully agree with the export duty policy.
“They definitely won’t agree. But coal prices are very high right now, over US$135,” he said.
“So there’s a certain figure that has been approved by Mr President, but clearly we need to discuss whether the industry can accept it, not just what they want, how much their profitability is affected, that’s what’s calculated, not what the coal company leaders want. If it’s them, they definitely don’t want it,” he explained.
The same applies to the coal production target. According to him, the 2026 coal production target in the RKAB will also be revised, and the government will push for increased coal production this year.
“The RKAB plan may be revised. But it depends on what the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources decides later. But clearly, it will be revised,” he said.
If the entire discussion process runs smoothly and reaches an agreement, the export duty policy has the potential to be implemented on 1 April 2026. However, Purbaya emphasised that implementation still depends on the final meeting results and field technical readiness.
“It should be, if it’s decided tomorrow, then 1 April. If it’s decided tomorrow. We don’t know yet, because I still have to attend the meeting first. What the appropriate technical level is. That’s still broad figures. So, roughly, getting permission doesn’t necessarily mean it will definitely be implemented,” he said.