Indonesian coal miners warn buyers may shift supplies over new export policy

Indonesia’s coal industry has raised concerns that overseas buyers could switch to rival suppliers following the government’s plan to centralize exports of strategic commodities through a state-owned enterprise.

Gita Mahyarani, executive director of the Indonesian Coal Mining Association (APBI), said buyers were seeking greater clarity over the implementation of the new one-stop export policy to be handled by PT Danantara Sumberdaya Indonesia (DSI).

 “The market’s current concern is more about ensuring full implementation, not just the initial reporting stage,” Gita said on Thursday, as quoted by Kompas.id.

She said buyers were seeking certainty over the treatment of existing contracts, delivery schedules, export documentation and pricing arrangements after the transition period ends.

 “The concern is that Indonesia is not the only coal exporter,” Gita said, noting that Australia, Russia, the United States, Colombia and other countries also supply coal to the global market.

She warned that regulatory changes could prompt buyers to diversify purchases away from Indonesia if the policy is not communicated clearly.

 “Detailed and consistent communication is crucial to maintaining confidence in Indonesia’s coal supply,” she said.

Read also : Indonesian coal miners raise concerns over planned state controlled export system

The government has appointed PT Danantara Sumberdaya Indonesia (DSI) as the sole export intermediary for coal, palm oil and ferrous alloy shipments under a policy aimed at addressing under-invoicing and improving export governance.

The policy will enter a three-month transition phase starting June 1, 2026. During the transition period, existing contracts will remain valid, although exports will still be routed through PT DSI for shipment recording purposes.

Investment and Downstreaming Minister Rosan P. Roeslani, who also heads sovereign investment agency Danantara, said earlier this month that PT DSI would have the authority to evaluate export prices and adjust them if deemed too low.

Following the transition period, beginning Sept. 1, 2026, or no later than Jan. 1, 2027, PT DSI is expected to fully take over export functions.

Under the planned system, PT DSI will manage export documentation, sales contracts with overseas buyers, cargo bookings, invoicing and shipment arrangements, as well as export duty payments and receipt of payments from importers.

President Prabowo Subianto first announced the policy during a parliamentary speech outlining the government’s macroeconomic and fiscal policy direction earlier this month, although implementing regulations have yet to be issued.

The policy will cover various coal products, including anthracite, thermal coal, lignite and peat products.

Trade Minister Budi Santoso has said the domestic market obligation (DMO) for coal will remain in place. During the transition period, coal companies will continue fulfilling DMO requirements, while PT DSI will assume responsibility after full implementation.

Meanwhile, Hendra Sinadia, chairman of the Energy and Mineral Resources Committee at the Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo), said businesses supported efforts to improve trade governance and transparency but stressed that implementation should remain market-driven and avoid creating additional burdens for exporters.

Apindo has proposed forming a joint working unit with PT DSI to discuss technical issues, map implementation risks and strengthen communication with industry associations and business players.

 “Apindo is ready to support the government and Danantara by providing policy input, sectoral technical discussions, mapping implementation risks, and strengthening communication with relevant associations,” Hendra said.

Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak