Purbaya targets coal export duty regulation to take effect on 1 April 2026

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia’s Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa is targeting the export duty (BK) regulation for coal to take effect on 1 April 2026.

“It should be 1 April if the meeting happens tomorrow. If it happens tomorrow. Not sure yet, as I still need to hold the meeting first,” Purbaya said in Jakarta on Wednesday.

In addition to coal, the government is also drafting regulations for a specific export duty on nickel.

The export duty rates for coal and nickel commodities have actually been approved by the President. However, the policy details will be discussed again in a cross-ministry and agency (K/L) meeting at the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs.

Purbaya emphasised that he cannot yet disclose the exact duty rates, as the technical aspects are still being finalised.

“The figure (export duty) has been decided by the President, but the meeting can discuss it first before we issue how it will be. (For coal) it will clearly be subject to export duty in line with the President’s directives,” he explained.

Nevertheless, the Finance Minister also opened the possibility of accelerating the policy’s implementation, especially if global coal prices continue to show an upward trend.

Because high commodity prices could provide momentum for the government to increase state revenues.

“We’ll see what the industry conditions are like, but if necessary, it can (be implemented sooner),” he stated.

On the other hand, he acknowledged objections from mining industry players regarding the planned implementation of the export duty.

“They (industry players) definitely won’t agree. But coal prices are very high right now. Currently over 135 (US dollars per tonne),” said the Finance Minister.

The government remains committed to proceeding with the policy, in line with the current assessment that coal prices are still sufficiently high.