MEMR yet to approve RKAB as rumors swirl that top coal miners may be spared cuts

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR) has not yet approved coal producers’ 2026 Work Plans and Budget (RKAB), leaving uncertainty over production levels as the government weighs a significant cut in national output.

Director General of Minerals and Coal Tri Winarno said the ministry has so far not issued any RKAB approvals for 2026. The RKAB is an annual production plan that must be approved by the government and effectively serves as an operational permit for mining companies. Without approval, companies are not legally allowed to conduct production activities.

“The point is that at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, up to now, we have not issued any RKAB approvals for 2026,” Tri told reporters on Thursday (Feb. 5).

Tri confirmed that coal production would be reduced this year, although the exact figures have yet to be finalized. As previously reported, the government plans to cut 2026 coal production quotas to around 600 million tonnes, down sharply from an estimated 790 million tonnes produced in 2025, in a bid to support coal prices. The ministry has said it aims to conclude approval of the 2026 RKABs by March.

Read also : MEMR allows limited mining output amid 2026 RKAB delays

His comments come amid data circulating among journalists and market participants suggesting that several large coal producers may be spared from production cuts, while smaller miners face steep reductions. However, the ministry has stressed that no official approvals have been issued and that such information cannot yet be verified.

The circulating data indicate that PT Adaro Andalan Indonesia Tbk (IDX: AADI), through its subsidiary PT Adaro Indonesia, could receive a 2026 production quota of 60 million tonnes. PT Bumi Resources Tbk (IDX: BUMI), via PT Kaltim Prima Coal and PT Arutmin Indonesia, is said to be allocated a combined quota of 74 million tonnes, while PT Indika Energy Tbk (IDX: NDY), through PT Kideco Jaya Agung, is reportedly allotted 30 million tonnes.

By contrast, several producers are reportedly facing sharp cuts. PT Bayan Resources Tbk (IDX: BYAN) is said to see its RKAB reduced by around 53% to 38 million tonnes in 2026, while PT Golden Energy Mines Tbk (IDX: GEMS), through PT Borneo Indobara, is reported to face an 80% cut to 11 million tonnes. Several subsidiaries of PT Indo Tambang Raya Tbk (IDX: ITMG), including PT Bharinto Ekatama, PT Indominco Mandiri, PT Trubaindo Coal Mining and PT Nusa Persada Resources, are also reportedly subject to reductions ranging from 29% to as much as 90%.

Coal producers have largely declined to comment, citing the absence of official decisions.

Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak