The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) confirmed that the Indonesian government has allowed 139 coal mining companies to resume their export activities.
The export ban was lifted, as the companies have met the target percentage of domestic market obligation (DMO) of 100 percent or more, Director General of Minerals and Coal, Ridwan Djamaluddin, stated at a press conference here on Thursday.
"As of today, 139 coal companies that have fulfilled their DMO obligations are no longer prohibited from exporting," he remarked.
Related news: Ministry eases export ban, allows 18 coal ships to sail
Djamaluddin explained that his team has processed the ESDM Minister's decision on guidelines for banning the use of coal overseas and the imposition of fines, including lifting the export ban for companies that hold Coal Mining Concession Work Agreements (PKP2B) and Special Mining Business Permits (IUPK) that have met the DMO's 100-percent target.
Earlier, the Indonesian government had banned coal exports to ensure that the supply of coal commodities for power plants in the country is fulfilled.
The ban applies to companies holding mining business licenses (IUP), IUPKs, and PKP2B, and is effective from January 1 to 31, 2022.
Related news: Coal export ban will not affect investment: Lahadalia
The decision was made to save 10 million customers of state electricity firm PT PLN from power outages due to a shortage of coal raw materials used for steam-electric power plants (PLTUs).
If the ban on coal exports was never imposed, at least 20 steam-electric power plants that generate 10,850 MW would have shut down, thereby destabilizing the national economy.
Related news: Coal export ban aims to address energy crisis: KSP
However, the government stated that coal supply for PLTUs had increased day by day, with its volume reaching 16.2 million tons as of mid-January 2022.
The coal material is now available, as the delivery schedule from producers to the power plants has returned to normal, and vessels are ready at the port.
Hence, the Indonesian government is optimistic of coal shortages for power plants no longer occurring.
Related news: Some 301 million COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in Indonesia
Related news: Global community needs permanent solution for health issues: President
Editor : Mahdani
COPYRIGHT © ANTARA News Kalimantan Selatan 2022