Rumour over RKAB 2026 adjustments, miners say it's unfair!

Jakarta – The Government’s plan to adjust the process for approving the Work Plan and Budget (RKAB) 2026 in the mineral and coal mining sector (minerba) is drawing concern from many quarters. The industry already operates on long-term plans prepared by professionals given sizeable investments, so certainty is needed to ensure a positive return. When it was suddenly decided that RKAB would cut production, this was said to be highly disruptive, according to Sudirman Widhy, Chairman of the Indonesian Mining Experts Association (PERHAPI), speaking at Mining Forum 2026 at Bank Mega Tower, on Friday, 6 March 2026. Sudirman noted that with a plan to reduce production, many mining companies would be forced to stand by while awaiting clarity on RKAB. Moreover, the financial capacity of mining companies varies. Ahmad Kharis, Deputy Chairman I of the Indonesian Mining Services Association (ASPINDO), also acknowledged that the industry needs certainty given the high costs involved in mining activities, particularly contractor services. He said, “First, contractor services are 85% in coal and below 58% for nickel. Seen in those figures, mining services could be affected.” He added that there should be certainty regarding RKAB, because to drive the mining industry, careful planning is essential. “We want certainty; that is the key to better planning,” he said. As is known, the Government is undertaking a comprehensive overhaul of the RKAB approval process for the mineral and coal mining sector in 2026. This step aims to balance supply with market demand to maintain commodity price stability. The RKAB 2026 adjustment is intended to prevent oversupply arising from exploitation and excessive production.