Bukit Asam still undecided about joining Tanjung Api-api port

The construction of a seaport in Tanjung Api-api, Muara Enim, South Sumatera is in uncertainty as state owned coal mining company PT Bukit Asam has yet decided whether or not it will use the port for its coal shipment.

Adjis Saip Senin, the chairman of the South Sumatera Legislative Council, said on Monday that investors might delay the construction of the port because Bukit Asam would only transport about six million tons of coal through the port.

The port should handle the shipment of at least 10 million tons of coal per annum to make the port project feasible.

Adjis said that Bukit Asam, which bases its operation in South Sumatera should support the local development for the sake of the province. "In long-term, using the local port will benefit Bukit Asam," he was quoted as saying by Sriwijaya Pos.

Bukit Asam's president RA Sunardi said recently the company would build a new office in Tanjung Api-api as part of its expansion plan to develop new coal mining area in the Muara Enim regency.

The company, which produces about 11 million tons of coal a year, transport its coal to its main consumers in Java and overseas through a coal terminal in Lampung. The coal is transported by trains from South Sumatera before being shipped from the Tarahan terminal in the province.(*)