Indonesia Tightens Coal Export Governance to Boost Market Confidence

RRI.CO.ID, Badung - The Trade Ministry is strengthening the governance of strategic natural resource exports, particularly coal, through new regulations aimed at providing greater certainty for businesses.

"The government continues to strengthen the export governance of strategic natural resources through Trade Minister Regulation No. 15/2026 on Export Policy and the Regulation of Coal Natural Resource Commodities," said Trade Ministry Director of Industrial and Mining Product Exports Muhammad Rivai Abbas at the 31st Coaltrans Asia (CT Asia) conference in Badung, Bali, on Monday, as quoted by Antara.

He said the governance measures are intended to respond to global dynamics and support Indonesia's transition into a more reliable global energy partner.

"Going forward, Indonesia does not want to be known merely as a commodity exporter, but also as a reliable global energy partner capable of ensuring supply certainty and creating greater economic value," Rivai said.

The move is supported by Indonesia's trade performance, which continues to post a surplus despite global economic uncertainties.

According to Trade Ministry data, the value of Indonesia's coal exports reached USD 18.11 billion in January-July 2026, up 8.36 percent year-on-year.

Overall national exports during the same period totaled USD 167.3 billion, generating a trade surplus of approximately USD 3.9 billion.

The government has also issued Trade Minister Regulation No. 12/2026 as part of its efforts to simplify export policies and business licensing.

"The issuance of Trade Minister Regulation No. 12/2026 is part of efforts to simplify export policies and licensing while improving the ease of doing business," Rivai said at the conference, which brought together around 3,500 coal industry participants from more than 10 countries.

The ministry is currently advancing four main pillars to maintain trade resilience and strengthen Indonesia's position in global supply chains.

The pillars include increasing value-added downstream processing, diversifying export markets, enhancing competitiveness, and strengthening international supply chain connectivity.

The government has also recorded strong non-oil and gas export growth in several non-traditional markets, including Hong Kong, Türkiye and Thailand, during the January-July 2026 period.

Through stronger export governance, the government is optimistic it can transform Indonesia's natural resources and industrial capabilities into sustainable global competitiveness.

Priyadi, chairman of the Indonesian Coal Mining Association (APBI), said the coal industry continues to have strong prospects despite environmental challenges facing the sector.

"The goal is better and more transparent governance so that businesses can operate with confidence," he said.

The association recorded around 50 to 60 active producer companies among its more than 100 members that are ready to optimize long-term business planning.

Meanwhile, Luke Thomas Mahoney, president director of PT Danantara Sumberdaya Indonesia (DSI), expressed support for strengthening export governance through greater transaction transparency.

He said the company focuses on connecting exporters and buyers to improve credibility and strengthen confidence in Indonesia's commodity market.

"We provide visibility into transactions, and much of what we do is act as an intermediary between exporters and buyers," Luke said.

Danantara plans to optimize the integration of cross-ministerial data and commercial contracts from business actors to improve traceability throughout the coal supply chain, from upstream to downstream. ***