Indonesia to impose coal export levy after presidential approval, minister says

Indonesia plans to impose export duties on coal and nickel after President Prabowo Subianto approved the tariff structure, with implementation potentially starting as early as April 1, a senior official said on Wednesday.

Finance Ministry official Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa said the approved export duty levels would be discussed in a cross-ministerial meeting scheduled for March 26 before the policy is finalized.

“The president has approved certain figures, so there is no issue,” Purbaya told reporters during a media briefing.

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He said the government would formally decide on the policy following the coordination meeting, after which details of the regulation would be announced.

Indonesia, one of the world’s largest exporters of coal and a major nickel producer, is preparing to introduce the export levy as part of broader efforts to manage commodity revenues.

Purbaya did not disclose the exact tariff levels, saying technical details were still being finalized.

However, he previously indicated that coal export duties could be applied on a progressive basis, with rates ranging from 5% to 11% depending on market prices.

Coal exports will “clearly” be subject to export duties in line with presidential direction, he said.

Editing by Alexander Ginting