RKAB as tool to control critical minerals: ESDM Ministry

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) stated Work Plan and Budget (RKAB) serves as an important instrument for the government in controlling critical minerals for holders of mining business licenses (IUP).

"RKAB has a very strategic role. It is not merely an administrative instrument, but also a production control instrument," the Ministry's Director of Mineral Business Development Cecep Mochammad Yasin said here on Wednesday.

According to Yasin, the implementation of RKAB for minerals and coal is carried out to ensure the government control the production, particularly for nickel and coal.

He explained through the RKAB mechanism, the government can maintain a balance between available reserves, production output, domestic processing capacity, and future industrial needs.

"So that the industry can operate in a healthy and sustainable manner," he added.

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In 2026, the government's implementation in mineral and coal policy is directed to support energy in a self-sufficiency and sustainability way.

He mentioned several key instruments include 25 percent domestic market obligation (DMO) policy for coal to ensure domestic energy supply, especially for electricity.

Such policy is an important foundation in maintaining energy security and national electricity price stability. It is followed by the annual RKAB implementation and production adjustments.

"Previously, we had a three-year policy, but the government could not control it effectively over three years. Therefore, it is now applied annually to maintain a balance between resource utilization, industrial needs, and the sustainability of national mineral and coal reserves," he noted.

Previously, the Ministry's Directorate General of Mineral and Coal approved 664 RKAB for mineral and coal mining as of June 12, 2026.

"We continue to make corrections and evaluations of the submitted documents, so that mining activities proceed according to plan and meet the principles of good mining governance," Director General of Mineral and Coal Tri Winarno said on Friday (June 12).

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Translator: Khaerul, Kenzu

Editor: Fransiska Ninditya

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