New association of coal producers established

A group of small and medium scale coal producing companies has established a new association dubbed as Association of Indonesia Coal and Energy Suppliers (Aspebindo) which aims to up bargaining position of the KP holders in the country?s coal forum.

Aspebindo?s chairman Ferry Juliantono claimed the association has 100 members of companies running coal business and being located in 7 provinces, including South Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, South Sumatra and Jambi.

?We are aiming to help the government meet the country?s energy security by giving constructive inputs as the small- and medium-scale coal and energy producing companies also play important role in supplying coal including to state electricity firm PLN,? he said during the launching ceremony.

He said that about two third of PLN?s demand on coal was supplied by the small and medium scale coal producers.

Members of the advisory board of Aspebindo include former governor of Bank Indonesia Burhanuddin Abdullah, Teuku Djohan Basyar and Budi Sulistianto.

Ferry said that the association would help build capability of its members such as on how to comply with existing laws on the environmental impact analysis (Amdal) in doing business.

?We will help bridge the members in seeking financial assistance from the banks and also give legal assistance to members facing dispute,? he said. (adianto)