Regarding The Coal Supply Crisis, Erick Thohir Has Warned Since Last Year

SOE Minister Erick Thohir/PHOTO VIA ANTARA

JAKARTA - Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) Erick Thohir admitted that he had warned to anticipate the shortage of coal supply since last year. Erick has even chaired a special meeting to discuss potential crises and mitigation efforts carried out in early 2021.

"I myself chaired this meeting in January 2021 when there was a shortage of natural resources needed for electricity. If we look at the term La Nina, there is a flood so that production decreases and shipments are hampered. This cycle is actually normal and we have to anticipate it," he said. told reporters, Thursday, January 6.

Erick said, as a country that has large natural resources (SDA), it would be a big mistake if Indonesia did not have a plan to maintain the supply of natural resources for electricity which led to a crisis.

He then reminded President Joko Widodo (Jokowi)'s message which emphasized the importance of shared responsibility in developing the economy. One of them, by utilizing coal in the country.

"It's impossible for our economy to continue to grow without electricity. We'll just use electricity later," he continued.

This is the reason why Erick and the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Arifin Tasrif conducted a surprise inspection at PLN's head office on Tuesday, January 4. Erick admitted that he understands that PLN is currently in lockdown due to directors being exposed to COVID-19.

"From the inspection results, regardless of the COVID-19 situation, I fully understand and need a lockdown, but during a crisis there must be ongoing activities. That's why I replaced (PLN's Primary Energy Director)," he said.

In addition, Erick also emphasized that the coal crisis should not happen again. Therefore, Erick admitted that he had asked Hartanto Wibowo as the new Director of Primary Energy for PLN to make repairs.

"And I will make sure that in the next one or two days, Hartanto has to make repairs," he said.