Using Rail Transport, Bukit Asam Increases Coal Supply To PLN Up To 20 Million Tons

Illustration. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (Persero) or PLN has received a commitment to supply coal from PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA). This collaboration also involves PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) or KAI, which will be the transportation transportation for Bukit Asam coal shipments to PLN in 2025.

PLN Primary Energy Director Hartanto Wibowo said this collaboration is proof that PLN is committed to improving the security of coal supply in a sustainable manner.

"We hope that the implementation of the synergy of SOEs in the coal supply chain can be carried out well to support national energy security," Hartanto said in his statement quoted on Thursday, February 17.

Hartanto added that this cooperation is long term. The three SOEs will speed up the study of cooperation so that they can start the first coal shipment by train in 2025.

On the same occasion, Director of Business Development of Bukit Asam, Rafli Yandra, said that his party as the owner of the largest source of coal reserves was ready to supply PLN's needs. Moreover, Bukit Asam has long cooperated with PLN in supplying coal needs by train.

"Since 1980, we have supplied PLN's coal needs, especially for PLTU Surabaya," said Rafli.

Through this collaboration, Rafli said, Bukit Asam would increase the supply of coal to 20 million tons for PLN.

Meanwhile, KAI's Commercial Director Dadan Rudiansyah is ready to secure PLN's coal supply from Bukit Asam. "Transportation of goods by train has various advantages. It is safe, timely, and environmentally friendly," said Dadan.

He also said that coal is the commodity with the largest volume in KAI's transportation. In 2021, the number will reach 76 percent of all KAI freight transport.