Bambang Ismoyo, Jakarta – Indonesia's Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry has approved 664 mining work plans and budgets (RKABs) for 2026, while continuing to review additional submissions as the government tightens oversight of the country's mining sector.

The Directorate General of Minerals and Coal (Minerba) said several RKAB applications remain under evaluation pending completion of required documents and regulatory requirements.

"Every mining activity must have a legal basis, clear planning, and comply with all prevailing regulations," Minerba Director General Tri Winarno said in a statement on Thursday. "The government is therefore conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the various requirements that form part of mining governance."

RKAB documents serve as the operational basis for companies carrying out exploration, production operations, processing and refining activities, as well as post-mining operations in Indonesia. Mining companies are required to obtain government approval for the plans before conducting activities.

As part of the evaluation process, the ministry reviews administrative documents, licensing legality, mining plans, environmental obligations including reclamation guarantees, mining safety standards, and companies' ability to fulfill state revenue obligations.

The government said companies whose RKAB submissions require revisions will be given the opportunity to improve their documents in accordance with existing procedures.

"We continue to make corrections and evaluations to submitted documents so mining activities proceed according to plan and meet the principles of good mining governance," Tri said.

Indonesia, the world's largest thermal coal exporter, is targeting national coal production of 600 million metric tons in 2026, down from the 790 million tons produced in 2025.

The government has said the lower target is intended to help maintain global coal price stability and preserve domestic reserves.

The Energy Ministry reported that Indonesia's coal production reached 229 million tons as of April 2026. Of that amount, around 145 million tons were allocated for export markets, while 84 million tons were supplied to meet domestic demand obligations, known as the Domestic Market Obligation (DMO) scheme.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/business/energy-ministry-approves-664-coal-mining-work-plan