Indonesia Still Has Coal Reserves Of 31 Billion Tons, Director General Of Mineral And Coal ESDM: Domestic Needs Are Guaranteed And Can Still Be Exported

Illustration. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - Director of Coal Business Development at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Lana Saria, reported that based on data from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Indonesia's coal reserves as of January 19 were 31.7 billion tons. Meanwhile for the existing resources in Indonesia amounted to 91.6 billion tons.

"We are blessed with extraordinary natural mineral and coal resources," said Lana in a public discussion held by Indef, Thursday, April 7.

He detailed that low-calorie coal reserves or less than 5,100 calories/gram amounted to 10.9 billion tons. Then, moderate calories or 5,100 calories/gram-6,100 calories/gram are 18.8 billion tons. Then, high-calorie coal with levels of 6,100 calories/gram-7,100 calories/gram as much as 1.5 billion tons.

"We must manage these reserves in such a way as to ensure domestic supply and also in the context of investment or state revenue for export," Lana added.

Meanwhile, the realization of coal production in 2021 is 614 million tons or 98.2 percent of the original target of 625 million tons.

"If we look at the relatively increasing 2018 period. In 2022, the target is to increase more than 2021, which is 663 million tons," he said.

For domestic needs, Lana continued, in 2021, 133 million tons of electricity and non-electricity will be absorbed or only 21 percent of total production.

"In 2022, domestic coal demand will increase by 165.7 million tons," added Lana.

Lana predicts that by 2060 the total coal production will increase by 720 million tons. However, he also ensures that this number will continue to decline because many power plants will also switch to using renewable energy sources.

"For example, now many power plants have used cofiring, namely mixing coal with renewable energy sources," concluded Lana.

Previously, the government had taken concrete steps in realizing the targets for the development of New and Renewable Energy (EBT). Besides being used for energy supply, NRE is also an important part in achieving the National Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission reduction target and actively participates globally in overcoming energy issues according to the Paris Agreement mandate.