S Kalimantan coal will be the idol of PLTU

Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan 3/5 (AntaranewsKalsel) - Head of Coal Unit of PT PLN Harlen said South Kalimantan coal will become an idol to supply the needs of steam power plants, especially for Java, Bali and Sulawesi.

Harlen, who was speaking at a seminar held by Bank Indonesia of South Kalimantan Region in Banjarmasin on Wednesday, said that in the future the local industry's need for coal will increase, especially when the construction of the 35 thousand megawatt power plant has been completed.

Harlen said South Kalimantan's coal is the best coal to supply domestic energy needs. In addition to the quality of coal that can be utilized by PLTU everywhere, also the location of mines located on the edge of the river, thus facilitating the flow of transportation.

The condition is different from the existing coal in Sumatra and other areas, which are far in the middle of the island, making it very difficult to reach. As a result, the costs to get and transport are expensive.

"In South Kalimantan the mine sites are on the banks of rivers, which is the cheapest means of transportation. So that in the future, South Kalimantan's coal will become an idol for the national industry," he said.

According to Harlen, the current coal price is still referring to the market price as a commodity, but in the future to support the electricity development program of 35,000 MW, PLN needs guaranteed coal availability and  the community affordable price.

Thus, he added, the price of coal for the interests of power plants must be regulated by the state. In addition, the government should regulate coal production restrictions by prioritizing domestic needs to ensure domestic demand (PLN).