Indonesia’s coal reserves projected to last 45 years amid strong production levels

By Cepi Setiadi

Indonesia’s coal reserves are estimated to last only about 45 years at the current extraction rate, according to Tri Winarno, Director General of Mineral and Coal at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM). He shared these insights during his address at the Coaltrans Asia 2025 forum held in Bali on Monday (September 22).

Tri revealed that Indonesia’s proven coal reserves stand at 31.95 billion tons, while annual production averages around 700 million tons. “Based on these figures, the coal reserves will be sufficient for roughly 45 years,” he said.

Though Indonesia’s total coal resources are estimated at 97 billion tons, only a fraction qualifies as proven reserves ready for mining. If a larger share of these resources can be converted into reserves, the coal supply could extend up to 185 years.

Highlighting Indonesia’s vast mining sector, Tri noted that the country is home to 959 coal mining companies, making it one of the largest globally. National coal production has remained robust, peaking at 836 million tons in 2024.

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“This year, the government has set a production target of 739 million tons, and as of August, 509 million tons—about 68 percent of the target—has been achieved,” he added.

Coal continues to play a vital role beyond energy, serving as a key contributor to the national economy. The sector accounts for roughly 70 percent of the Non-Tax State Revenue (PNBP) collected by the Ministry of ESDM. In 2024, PNBP from coal reached Rp 143 trillion, with a target of Rp 123 trillion for 2025.

“When combined with taxes and other financial contributions, the coal industry’s total input to the state budget could surpass Rp 250 trillion,” Tri explained.

Despite coal’s significant economic and energy importance, the government is committed to advancing a cleaner, more efficient coal sector as part of its broader energy transition plan. “We are encouraging environmentally responsible coal use to ensure its sustainable role in national energy security, consistent with Indonesia’s 2060 net-zero goal,” Tri concluded.

Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak