Indonesia nears completion of nickel RKAB approvals, coal permits also advanced
Monday, April 6 2026 - 03:46 PM WIB
By Calvin Purba
Indonesia has approved work plans and budgets (RKAB) for nickel miners totaling around 190 million to 200 million tonnes, nearing this year’s quota of 260 million to 270 million tonnes, the energy ministry said.
Tri Winarno, Director General of Mineral and Coal at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, said the approval process is almost complete, with only a few companies still required to finalize documentation.
“There are still some that are incomplete, we’ve asked them to complete the requirements. But it’s almost finished,” he said on Monday.
The ministry has also nearly completed approvals for coal miners, with around 580 million tonnes of output cleared under the RKAB scheme, close to the government’s 600 million tonne production cap for 2026.
Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said production policies for coal and nickel will remain flexible and responsive to market conditions.
Read also : Govt nears coal RKAB approvals, keeps flexible output stance on coal, nickel
He said output could be increased if prices remain strong or adjusted downward if demand weakens, adding that discussions on a possible “measured” relaxation policy are ongoing and no formal changes have been made to quotas.
Indonesia has lowered production ceilings for both coal and nickel this year compared with 2025, as part of efforts to manage supply and support prices.
For nickel, the government also plans to raise the Harga Mineral Acuan (HMA), or benchmark price, to help stabilize domestic prices and align them with smelter demand.
At the same time, policymakers are considering fiscal measures to capture higher commodity prices. Finance Ministry official Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa said a coal export levy could be introduced as early as April, pending final approval.
The proposal has received initial backing from President Prabowo Subianto.
The move comes as rising global oil prices increase Indonesia’s subsidy burden, prompting the government to explore additional revenue sources while maintaining balance in the commodities sector.
Editing by Alexander Ginting