Bukit Asam (PTBA) Responds to HBA's Role as New Export Benchmark
Bukit Asam (PTBA) Responds to HBA's Role as New Export Benchmark
02 Mar 2025, 03:09 PM 6037

PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA) supports the government’s policy regarding the implementation of the Coal Reference Price (HBA) as a benchmark for exports starting from March 1, 2025.This state-owned mining company hopes that the HBA policy as an export benchmark will maintain the competitiveness of Indonesia’s coal industry in the international market.PTBA's Corporate Secretary, Niko Chandra, stated that PTBA supports the government’s efforts to create stability in coal prices, protect national interests, and optimize state revenues."Regarding the HBA, PTBA hopes that the determination of the HBA will continue to maintain the competitiveness of Indonesia’s coal industry in the international market," said Niko to Kontan on Saturday (March 1).As known, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, revealed that this policy aims to increase Indonesia's independence in determining coal prices in the global market."Until now, our reference coal price has been controlled or determined by other countries. We need to have independence, we need nationalism. We shouldn't let our coal price be determined by others," said Bahlil.Although this policy has been socialized since February 26, 2025, business players are still facing several challenges in its implementation.The Acting Executive Director of the Indonesian Coal Mining Association (APBI), Gita Mahyarani, revealed that many companies still do not understand the implementation mechanism, especially regarding ongoing export contracts."“We want a transition period or grace period if this regulation is applied mandatorily. Renegotiating contracts with buyers takes time and a lengthy process,” said Gita to Kontan on Friday (February 28).Concerns also came from the Executive Director of the Indonesia Mining Association (IMA), Hendra Sinadia. He believes that this policy could pose challenges in convincing overseas buyers.According to him, transactions for Indonesian coal have generally referred to internationally recognized price indices.“In Article 159, paragraph (2) of Government Regulation 96/2021, it is stated that the Minister determines the Coal Benchmark Price (HPB) using market mechanisms or international price indices. Meanwhile, the HBA could be used as the basis for royalty imposition,” explained Hendra.Hendra added that many buyers, especially from China, are still uncertain about this policy. “I’ve heard many concerns from buyers at the 2nd China Coal Import and International Summit in Guangzhou on February 27,” he said.Hendra also highlighted the legal aspect in the implementation of this policy. According to him, sudden changes in regulations could make it difficult for exporters to anticipate the impact.In addition, the technical mechanisms and sanctions for violators have not been explained in detail, which could make potential buyers more cautious about purchasing coal from Indonesia.

Government Prioritizes Energy Transition with a Focus on Critical Minerals
Government Prioritizes Energy Transition with a Focus on Critical Minerals
28 Feb 2025, 03:14 PM 3181

The Director of Social Organization at the Directorate General of Politics and General Government of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Abdul Ghofur, emphasized that the issue of critical minerals or essential minerals will remain a primary focus in national development for the next 10 to 20 years.This aligns with the government's major agenda to encourage the energy transition toward net zero emissions.According to Ghofur, the energy transition cannot be separated from various related aspects, such as green energy, mineral downstreaming, and the net zero emissions target."All of this is a unified system that must be viewed comprehensively," said Ghofur during a discussion at the Institute for Development of Economics and Finance (Indef) titled "Strengthening Regional Government Capacity in Managing Critical Minerals," on Friday (February 28, 2025).He emphasized that the government’s current policies have addressed these strategic issues through four priority programs: free nutritious food, food self-sufficiency, energy self-sufficiency, and industrial downstreaming. According to Ghofur, these programs are also in line with the President's Astacita, particularly in the second and fifth points, which aim to strengthen national independence and economic sustainability.In the context of inflation, Ghofur revealed that the government has received numerous inputs from various institutions, including Indef, regarding the factors influencing inflation and its impact on national economic stability.One of the critical minerals that is currently a major focus is nickel. As the largest producer of nickel in the world, Indonesia continues to develop this sector to increase added value and strengthen industrial downstreaming. Ghofur also highlighted that Indonesia is likely to have more types of critical minerals, as identified by various countries, including Canada, which has listed 47 types of critical minerals in its strategic list.

United Tractors Records a Net Profit of IDR 19.5 Trillion in 2024
United Tractors Records a Net Profit of IDR 19.5 Trillion in 2024
28 Feb 2025, 03:12 PM 4532

United Tractors recently released its consolidated financial statements for up to the fourth quarter of 2024.The report showed that the company had recorded a net revenue of IDR 134.4 trillion (approximately USD 8.1 million), up by 5 percent compared to IDR 128.6 trillion in the same period of 2023. The revenue came from several sectors, including IDR 58 trillion in mining contracting, up by 8 percent compared to the same period the previous year. United Tractors also posted IDR 37.3 trillion of revenue in construction machinery or about 2 percent higher. Revenue in thermal and metallurgical coal mining had dropped 15 percent to IDR 26 trillion due to the lower average coal price. United Tractors also posted Rp 9.9 trillion in gold and other mineral mining, which grew a whopping 90 percent.In the fourth quarter of 2023, the group entered the nickel business and was in the process of developing the asset.In 2024, United Tractors’ net profit was down by 5 percent from IDR 20.6 trillion to IDR 19.5 trillion. The company attributed the decline to the lower gross profit in the thermal and metallurgical coal mining business. as well as increased interest expense.Construction Machinery SegmentThis segment recorded a decrease in Komatsu sales volume by 16 percent to 4,420 units due to lower sales from the mining, construction, and forestry sectors. Based on internal market research, Komatsu’s market share was 26 percent. Komatsu maintains its position as a market leader in the mining sector.Sales volume of Scania mainly from trucks decreased from 715 units to 436 units and UD Trucks sales decreased from 272 units to 234 units primarily due to lower demand in the mining sector.Revenue from spare parts and maintenance services slightly increased by 1 percent to IDR 11.6 trillion.In total, the construction machinery segment recorded a 2 percent increase in net revenue of IDR 37.3 trillion mainly due to product mix and higher revenue from spare parts and services.Mining Contracting SegmentThe company operates its mining contracting segment through Pamapersada Nusantara (PAMA) and its subsidiary Kalimantan Prima Persada (KPP Mining).PAMA and KPP Mining (PAMA Group) provide mining services to mine concession owners, by assisting them with coal and other mineral production and overburden removal.Until the fourth quarter of 2024, PAMA Group recorded increased overburden removal by 5 percent to 1,217 million bcm and increased coal production for its clients by 15 percent to 148 million tons, with an average stripping ratio of 8.2x.Thermal and Metallurgical Coal Mining SegmentThe company’s thermal and metallurgical coal mining business segment is operated by Tuah Turangga Agung (Turangga Resources).In 2024, Turangga Resources’ coal mine reported a coal sales volume of 10.2 million tons, including 3.2 million tons of metallurgical coal. Total coal sales volume including third party coal was 13.1 million tons, 11 percent higher compared to last year.Coal mining segment saw a 15 percent decrease in net revenue to Rp 26 trillion due to the decline in the average selling price of coal.Gold and Other Mineral Mining SegmentThe gold and other mineral mining segment reported that its revenue had grown by 90 percent to Rp 9.9 trillion. Increased average gold selling price had caused the revenue to soar.Gold MiningAgincourt Resources (PTAR) and Sumbawa Jutaraya (SJR) operate the company's gold mining business. This segment saw a total gold sales equivalent of 232,000 ounces, up by 32 percent year-on-year.PTAR operates a Martabe gold mine located in South Tapanuli, North Sumatra. Martabe reported 230,000 ounces of gold sales equivalent, 31 percent higher than last year.SJR operates a gold mine concession in Sumbawa Island, West Nusa Tenggara. SJR reported 1,800 ounces of gold sales equivalent as it has just started gold sales by the fourth quarter of 2024.Nickel BusinessStargate Pasific Resources (SPR) operates a nickel mine which is located in Southeast Sulawesi.SPR reported 1,975,000 wet metric tons (wmt) of nickel ore sales in 2024, comprising 1,282,000 wmt of limonite and 693,000 wmt of saprolite.About 19.99-percent-owned Nickel Industries Limited (NIC) is an integrated nickel mining and processing company with major assets located in Indonesia.The company recognized equity income from NIC for the 12-month period from the last quarter of 2023 up to the first nine months of 2024. NIC’s RKEF operations reported 34,400 tonnes of nickel metal sold in the last quarter of 2023 and 96,300 tonnes in the nine months of 2024.

Three Countries Now Receiving Nickel Cathode Exports from PT Eternal Nickel Industry
Three Countries Now Receiving Nickel Cathode Exports from PT Eternal Nickel Industry
27 Feb 2025, 03:13 PM 4060

Ternate Customs supervised the first export of cathode nickel owned by PT Eternal Nickel Industry to three countries, namely China, Japan, and South Korea, on Wednesday (February 12, 2025)."A total of 600.4 metric tons of cathode nickel were successfully exported, with an estimated export revenue of 8.9 million USD. This success is an important step in strengthening Indonesia's position as one of the leading countries in the global nickel industry," said the Head of Ternate Customs Office, Jaka Riyadi.Cathode nickel products themselves are pure nickel with a minimum grade of 99.9%, produced through the processing of nickel ore. This product plays a vital role in various industrial sectors, especially in the development of battery technology and other nickel-based industries.Through various programs and policies that support the smooth flow of goods abroad, Ternate Customs hopes to continue driving the growth of Indonesia’s industrial and trade sectors. As a result, the export of key commodities such as cathode nickel can contribute positively to the national economy and enhance Indonesia’s competitiveness in the global market.Jaka emphasized their commitment to supporting the acceleration of exports and improving the competitiveness of the national industry."Bea Cukai Ternate is committed to continuously providing facilitation and ease in the export process, especially for downstream industries that add economic value to the regional and national economy," he concluded.

Indonesian Nickel Producer to Build USD 1.8 Billion Plant
Indonesian Nickel Producer to Build USD 1.8 Billion Plant
26 Feb 2025, 03:10 PM 3454

An Indonesian nickel producer has announced plans for a USD 1.8 billion plant as Southeast Asia’s biggest economy tries to boost domestic processing and refining capacity for the material, which is key to electric vehicles.Indonesia has the world’s largest reserves of nickel, but plays a comparatively small role in the refining process, something the government is trying to change.PT Merdeka Battery Materials said this week it has signed agreements for the construction of a high-pressure acid leach plant on the island of Sulawesi, which extracts nickel and cobalt from ore.The project, financed partly by a USD 1.4 billion loan, is expected to take 18 months to complete, with work beginning in January.The plant will be built in Sulawesi’s Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park, one of Southeast Asia’s biggest nickel production centers.But China’s growing investment in nickel, a base metal used in electric vehicle batteries and stainless steel, has stoked unrest over pay and working conditions in Chinese-run or funded facilities.In 2023, hundreds of Indonesian workers protested against conditions at a Chinese-funded nickel processing plant in the same industrial park after an explosion killed 18 people.Nickel mining has also been linked to deforestation and rights abuses in parts of Indonesia, particularly involving Indigenous communities.In 2020, Indonesia stopped exports of raw nickel, which led to a boom in domestic nickel processing, drawing large investments from China to build smelters.

Indonesia Cooperates With Australia To Cooperate With Critical Mineral Supply Chain
Indonesia Cooperates With Australia To Cooperate With Critical Mineral Supply Chain
22 Feb 2025, 04:40 PM 4046

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) is collaborating with the Australian Northern Territory (NT) which focuses on critical and strategic mineral supply chains, which are expected to strengthen Indonesia's position in the global mineral supply chain, as well as support NT Australia's efforts to diversify its mineral supply.Secretary General of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Dadan Kusdiana said that the content of this cooperation is in accordance with the recently passed Mineral and Coal Law (UU Minerba). The focus of Indonesia's mineral and coal development policies refers to the main goal that reflects the balance between economic, environmental and social priorities."The focus is to support economic growth and create jobs, with priority on research, innovation, and exploration to strengthen the security of mineral reserves," said Dadan, quoted on Saturday, February 22.The decarbonization of the mining industry, according to Dadan, is an important step, involving the adoption of renewable energy, electrification of mining operations, and advanced technology."Indonesia is also implementing practices to prevent the loss of biodiversity and protect natural ecosystems, ensuring sustainable and responsible development efforts," said Dadan.Meanwhile, the Minister of Trade, Business and Relations of the Australian Northern Territory Hon Robynmenday hopes that this partnership can be implemented immediately through concrete cooperation at the industrial and government levels."Our resources continue to grow every day, we find new reserves and opportunities, especially in critical mineral sectors. Many organizations and businesses have expressed interest in investing in our region due to significant opportunities."For information, the Memorandum of Understanding of the Critical and Strategic Mineral Supply Chain itself has been signed by both parties on November 12, 2024. As an implementation of this cooperation, in April 2025 a Roadshow Mineral Indonesia-NT Australia will be held, in the form of a visit from Indonesian mining companies to NT, Australia.Then continued with a visit to Sulawesi, namely Sorowako and Morowali or Maluku in Weda Bay in May 2025.Not only that, but in 2025 a joint study and development will also be carried out in the exploration of processing and purification technology for increased efficiency and sustainability. Also the development of expertise and training by establishing an educational program to increase human resource capacity. The socialization activity was also attended by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia Arie Havas Oegroseno, Minister of Trade, Business and Relations of the Asian Northern Territory Australia Hon Robynek, as well as mining stakeholders in Indonesia.

Government Creates Gold Bank, Merdeka Copper (MDKA) Welcomes Positively
Government Creates Gold Bank, Merdeka Copper (MDKA) Welcomes Positively
21 Feb 2025, 04:44 PM 3587

PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk (MDKA) stated that the establishment of a Gold Bank, also known as a bullion bank, by President Prabowo Subianto will bring benefits to both the Government and the public.The President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, announced plans to launch the Gold Bullion Bank on February 26, 2025. This step is taken as one of the drivers to enhance the competitiveness of economic transformation.General Manager of Communications at Merdeka Copper Gold MDKA, Tom Malik, believes that the government's establishment of a bullion bank, or gold bank, aims to manage gold transactions, which have become a popular investment choice for the people of Indonesia."The establishment of the bullion bank will bring benefits to both the government and the public. Among these benefits are foreign exchange savings, the industry will have a source of project financing, banks can diversify their products, and the public will receive returns on their savings. The gold bank is expected to encourage customers to store gold bullion," he said to Kontan on Thursday (19/2).He believes that the Gold Bank established by the government will be similar to a conventional bank, but the asset stored will be gold bullion, targeting both retail and corporate customers.He added that MDKA is a mining company that mines and produces gold, having been in operation since 2017. MDKA's gold mine in Banyuwangi, operated by PT Bumi Suksesindo, extracts and processes gold, the results of which are exported."The gold exports not only generate tax and royalty revenues but also bring in foreign exchange for the country," Tom explained.

PT Timah Tbk Receives Indonesia Best Digital in Energy and Mining Industry 2025 Award
PT Timah Tbk Receives Indonesia Best Digital in Energy and Mining Industry 2025 Award
21 Feb 2025, 04:39 PM 3438

PT Timah Tbk has once again achieved national recognition. This time, the member of MINDS ID received an award at the Indonesia Digital Sustainability Awards 2025, organized by Plus Idea Komunika in collaboration with JakTV, held at JW Marriott Hotel, Kuningan, South Jakarta, on Tuesday (February 18, 2025).PT Timah Tbk won an award in the Energy and Mining category as the Indonesia Best Digital Awards 2025 in the Energy and Mining Industry for Business Process Automation and Digital Document Management System.This award is a form of appreciation for companies that have made significant contributions in creating sustainable digital solutions.In addition, this award aims to strengthen cross-sector collaboration and encourage the integration of sustainability principles in the design, development, and implementation of digital technologies, thereby enhancing efficiency, productivity, and creating a positive impact for the business world and society.This year's theme for the award is "Creating Digital Ecosystem through Sustainable and Inclusive Business," highlighting the importance of prioritizing the creation of a sustainable and inclusive digital ecosystem in today's business world.The award ceremony was also attended by the Director General (Dirjend) of Public Communication and Media from the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi), Fifi Aleyda Yahya.In her speech, Fifi stated that the digital transformation over the past three years following the Covid-19 pandemic has experienced rapid growth, especially in electronic payments."Indonesia's economy has grown by 5.03 percent, which is in line with last year's growth, supported by strong domestic consumption, government spending, and increased investment. The technology and digital economy sectors have played an important role in this growth," Fifi explained.She emphasized that digital technology has become a key pillar in Indonesia's economic development, driven by the e-commerce, fintech, and other technology sectors.In fact, e-commerce is identified as the main driver, contributing more than 60 percent to the total digital economy.For this reason, Fifi emphasized that the government, through Komdigi, is committed to building a sustainable and inclusive digital ecosystem, particularly through the development of telecommunications infrastructure and the expansion of 4G and 5G networks to remote areas.The evaluation was conducted by the Research Team of Idea Komunika and validated by the Jury Board, including Tuhu Nugraha from the Indonesia Applied Digital Economy & Regulatory Network (IADERN).There are three key evaluation points assessed by the jury in the Indonesia Digital Sustainability Awards 2025: Digital Efficiency, Digital Transparency, and Digital Sustainability.The Head of Corporate Communication Department at PT Timah Tbk, Anggi Siahaan, stated that PT Timah remains committed to implementing digital technology to enhance efficiency, transparency, and corporate governance."Digitalization has become an essential part of the company's operations, both in the supply chain, management systems, and services to stakeholders. Digital innovation not only drives the company's growth but also contributes to a more sustainable tin industry," said Anggi.

Energy Minister Bahlil Seeks Danantara Funds for Downstream Industry Development
Energy Minister Bahlil Seeks Danantara Funds for Downstream Industry Development
19 Feb 2025, 04:42 PM 3813

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia said that he has submitted a proposal to President Prabowo Subianto requesting a portion of the funds from the Sovereign Wealth Fund of Nusantara Investment Management Agency (Danantara) to be allocated for downstream industry development."We have submitted the proposal to President on several occasions to consider investing part of the Danantara fund in order to provide added value in the downstream sector," said Bahlil after attending the Indonesian Economic Summit 2025 at the Shangrilla Hotel, Jakarta, Wednesday, February 19, 2025.Bahlil remained tight-lipped about the investment amount he proposed. He only stated that the request was made to secure the sovereignty of the Indonesian people by providing added value to natural resources. In addition, he mentioned the collaboration between Danantara and several countries, one of which is the United Arab Emirates."[The collaboration] with several other countries is underway," he claimed.Over the next four years, Bahlil planned to carry out downstream industry development for 28 commodities. "There are 26 to 28 commodities that will be encouraged, especially fisheries, forestry, agriculture, oil and gas, and mining," he said when met at his office on Friday, January 10, 2025.The 28 downstreaming commodities include coal, nickel, tin, copper, bauxite, iron stacy, gold and silver, lead asphalt, sand, manganese, cobalt, metals, petroleum, natural gas, palm oil, coconut, rubber, biofuel, crumb rubber, pine resin, shrimp, fish, crab, seaweed, salt, nutmeg, cocoa, and tilapia.Meanwhile, Danantara is an investment institution initiated by President Prabowo Subianto. The head of state revealed that the initial funding for Danantara is projected to reach USD 20 billion."The initial funding this year will reach USD 20 billion. I think this will be a transformative step. We plan to start around 15 to 20 billion-dollar projects, which will create significant added value for our country," he said while speaking as a keynote speaker at the International World Government Summit online on Thursday, February 13, 2025.On that occasion, Prabowo also mentioned that Danantara will be launched on February 24, 2025. "We are preparing for the launch of our latest Danantara Indonesia, our sovereign wealth fund, which according to our initial evaluation will manage more than USD 900 billion in assets under management," he said, as monitored via the President's Secretariat YouTube on Friday, February 14, 2025.

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