PLN Secures 1.8 Million Tons of Coal to Bolster Java's Power Grid Reliability

Indonesia's state electricity company PT PLN (Persero) is set to receive a significant boost in its coal supply, with an additional 1.8 million tons of medium to high-calorie coal allocated for July 2026. This move is part of a strategic roadmap to bolster the reliability of Java's power system, following the end of rolling blackouts on June 21, 2026.

From August to December 2026, PLN anticipates a further increase in its coal supply, receiving 3 million tons each month. This substantial addition is expected to raise the power supply capacity by approximately 5 gigawatts, building upon the existing capacity of 35.9 gigawatts. PLN President Director Darmawan Prasodjo highlighted this as a crucial step in reinforcing the power grid before medium-term capacity expansion projects commence.

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First, for 2026 there is an additional supply of medium to high-calorie coal, namely 4,500 calories and above, which is specifically allocated for PLN from the Ministry of ESDM. This amounts to 1.8 million tons on top of the existing supply for July and 3 million tons per month from August to December.

Prasodjo explained that the increased coal allocation, specifically for coal with a calorific value of 4,500 or higher, is a direct response to shifts in national coal production. He acknowledged a growing output of low-calorie coal while production of medium to high-calorie coal declines. PLN and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources are adjusting their supply strategy to address this challenge and prevent future energy shortages.

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Indeed, we admit that in volume, the production of low-calorie coal is increasing, while the production of medium to high-calorie coal is decreasing.

"Indeed, we admit that in volume, the production of low-calorie coal is increasing, while the production of medium to high-calorie coal is decreasing," Darmawan stated during a hearing with Commission XII of the DPR RI. He added that PLN has secured the additional coal supply through contracts for the July-December 2026 period, which he believes will resolve the energy supply issues previously experienced in Java.

Looking ahead, PLN is also implementing permanent solutions to prevent similar problems. This includes retrofitting existing steam power plants (PLTU) to enable them to utilize lower-calorie coal, which is more abundant domestically. These efforts aim to maintain national electricity grid reliability while adapting power plant operations to the evolving characteristics of domestic coal production.

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With this additional supply, the electricity supply constraints that occurred in Java can be overcome and rolling blackouts were successfully resolved.