Bahlil Lahadalia Emphasizes that the Coal Supply Constraints for PLTU Have Been Resolved

TUBAN - Energy and Mineral Resources Minister (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia confirmed that the problem of coal supply with medium rank or medium calorie specifications for steam power plants (PLTU) has been completed.

"Now, all coal is on progress, so there is no problem anymore," said Bahlil after inaugurating the Mini LNG Plant of PT Sumber Aneka Gas in Tuban, East Java, Thursday.

The statement is related to the constraints on medium calorific coal, especially with specifications of around 5,200 kcal per kg GAR needed by PLN plants.

The obstacle caused a disruption in electricity services that had occurred in a number of areas.

Bahlil also previously said that he had formed a special team to oversee the coal procurement process for PT PLN (Persero) to prevent the recurrence of supply issues that could potentially disrupt national energy security.

He said that the coal supply problem faced by PLN was not the first time it had occurred. According to him, the same thing also happened in 2022 so that more stringent supervision measures need to be taken so that it does not happen every year.

In line with Bahlil's statement, President Director of PT PLN (Persero) Darmawan Prasodjo said the distribution of coal supplies that meet the specifications of steam power plant (PLTU) needs is running smoothly.

"The supply of primary energy (coal) that meets the specifications required by our plant is running smoothly," Darmawan said in a voice recording that had been confirmed by ANTARA to PLN in Jakarta, Monday (22/6).

Therefore, said Darmawan, efforts to improve the electricity system in Java Island are running smoothly, and gradually improving.

Darmawan said that in the future, PLN will improve the governance of the coal supply chain and strengthen power plants so that the electricity system on the island of Java can continue to be maintained and improved.