In Jakarta, advocates from the Study of People’s Democracy (SDR) are pressing the Indonesian government to clamp down on the illegal coal trade flourishing in East Kalimantan. According to SDR, although Indonesia is recognized as the world’s third largest coal producer, lagging only behind China and India, illegal activities are causing a domestic shortage.
Hari Purwanto, the Executive Director of SDR, highlighted in a public statement that Indonesia’s coal production stood impressively at 562.5 million metric tons in 2020, ranking third globally. This number even jumped to 611.79 million metric tons in the following year, with over half of it, specifically 303.08 million metric tons, being exported.
Despite these large production volumes, Hari pointed out that the country faces a paradoxical coal scarcity at home. This situation stems from illegal coal sales to foreign markets, depriving the state of potential revenue and posing a risk to the nation’s economy, energy security, and the welfare of its citizens.
Grounded in the principles outlined in Article 33 Paragraph 3 of the 1945 Constitution, which mandates state control over natural resources for public prosperity, Hari has submitted an appeal to the Indonesian President, Joko Widodo. The plea calls for stricter law enforcement actions to terminate the unauthorized export of coal.
Supporting this sentiment, Commission VII DPR RI member Muhammad Nasir has urged the Energy and Mineral Resources Minister, Arifin Tasrif, to address and dismantle non-compliant coal imports in East Kalimantan. Nasir expressed disappointment over the lack of decisive action against those who orchestrate these illicit coal trades, causing financial losses to the country.
The situation underscores the urgent need for strengthened oversight and legal measures to safeguard Indonesia’s coal resources for its people’s benefit, highlighting the ongoing struggle against the shadowy dealings of the coal mafia.
