Tough Coal Export Ban Discussion, Here’s the Progress

Reporter: Philemon the Great | Editor: Novice Laoli

KONTAN.CO.ID – JAKARTA. The government has yet to make a final decision regarding the continuation of the coal export ban which has been in effect since January 1, 2022.

Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan revealed that a coordination meeting would still be held on Saturday (8/1).

“It is still being closed, it is being finalized. Hopefully it will be finished tomorrow,” said Luhut when met at the Kemenkomarves Office, Friday (7/1).

As is known, a number of Indonesia’s coal export destinations, such as Japan and South Korea, have also expressed a request to the Indonesian government to re-open the tap for coal exports.

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Luhut said that the decision to lift the export ban was the authority of the Ministry of Trade. However, regarding the continuation of exports for companies that have fulfilled the DMO, it is hoped that this can be achieved at the meeting tomorrow.

Meanwhile, cross-ministerial meetings and business actors have been going on for almost a week. Previously, it was noted that business actors had also held meetings with the Ministry of Trade and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.

Previously, Luhut revealed that in the ongoing discussion, the government was focusing on two main things.

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The government is currently focusing on ensuring the fulfillment of coal for domestic needs, especially for power plants and for the completion of mineral and coal governance in general for the long term.

“Our (evaluation) is divided into two, one for the fulfillment of now and later for the permanent completion of (improvement of governance),” explained Luhut.