Here's PTBA's Strategy Towards a World Class Energy and Chemical Company

President Director of PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA) Arsal Ismail. (Photo: Mery Handayani/VOI)

JAKARTA - PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA) has prepared steps to realize its vision of becoming an energy and chemical company that cares about the environment.

This transformation was carried out to support the Net Zero Emission target in 2060, according to President Joko Widodo's directives. The company also seeks to increase its contribution to supporting national energy security.

PTBA Main Director, Arsal Ismail explained, PTBA has three specific strategies to realize these ideals.

First, increase the portfolio of new and renewable energy-based power plants (EBT).

PTBA has so far built a solar power plant (PLTS) at Soekarno-Hatta Airport in collaboration with PT Angkasa Pura II (Persero).

Apart from Angkasa Pura II, PTBA is also working with Jasa Marga Group for the development of PLTS on toll roads. Then recently, PTBA explored the potential for cooperation in the development of PLTS at the operational locations of the Semen Indonesia Group (SIG).

"PTBA anticipates that in the future EBT will be increasingly able to compete with fossil energy. Along with technological developments, EBT will be more efficient. Therefore, business diversification is carried out by PTBA", Arsal told the media, Thursday, December 1.

The second strategy is coal downstream and chemical industry development by setting up a special economic zone in Tanjung Enim, South Sumatra, as an area for business development.

The downstream carried out by PTBA is the Coal to DME (Dimethyl Ether) project as a form of the company's commitment to the issuance of Presidential Decree Number 109 of 2020 which was signed on 17 November 2020 by President Joko Widodo.

"This is a new portfolio for companies that are no longer just selling coal but are also starting to enter downstream products to increase added value", added Arsal.

Third, the Carbon Management Program integrates carbon reduction targets in mining operations. PTBA already has a series of programs to cut carbon emissions.

Starting from replacing mining equipment that uses fossil fuels with electricity, the system implements production reporting in real-time and online, to reclamation to restore ex-mining land.

"PTBA is currently carrying out transformation to answer future challenges. With these steps, PTBA is optimistic that it can become a sustainable company and continue to contribute to national energy security", Arsal concluded.