PRIME NEWS POST
The INDONESIAN (Jakarta)– The slow issuance of the 2026 Work Plan and Budget (RKAB) by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has drawn criticism. As of Thursday, April 30, 2026, hundreds of mining companies are still awaiting certainty, even as operational deadlines are fast approaching.
The Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Chamber of Commerce (KAPMI) views this process as irregular. Sainal Lakasang, General Deputy Chairman of KAPMI’s Central Board, urged the government to be transparent to prevent openings for foreign intervention.
“What is happening with the RKAB? Why is it delayed until early May? We are concerned that certain interests are at play. The government must provide a clear explanation,” stated Sainal firmly on Wednesday (30/4/2026).
These concerns arise amid shifting geopolitical dynamics, ranging from US-Iran tensions to the strong dominance of Chinese investment in the national mining sector. Instead of providing legal certainty, the government has highlighted 106 mining companies deemed to be in violation of regulations.
The Director General of Minerals and Coal, Tri Winarno, previously warned, “Without an approved RKAB, companies cannot carry out operational activities.” However, the question remains: why is the process within the Ministry of ESDM itself not yet completed?
Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, explained that the reduction of the national production quota from 790 million tons to 600 million tons was carried out to adjust supply and demand. Nevertheless, industry players still require regulatory certainty to plan production and investment.
“If the RKAB is used as a political bargaining tool, the ones who will suffer are energy sovereignty and thousands of mining workers. The government needs to reveal the real reason: is this purely administrative, or are there other factors?” added Sainal.
He emphasized that if this situation continues, the impact will be immediate. “Thousands of workers are at risk, operations will halt, and the regional economy will be severely affected,” he concluded.
