Indonesia Bans Coal Carrier Ships for Export

JAKARTADAILY.ID - The temporary ban on coal exports from Indonesia, which has been effective since January 1, 2022, has been followed up by the issuance of a temporary ban on the export of coal cargo. With the ban, the Directorate General of Sea Transportation, Ministry of Transportation of the Republic of Indonesia temporarily does not issue a Sailing Approval Letter (SPB).

"It is hereby advised not to serve shipments of coal cargo that will be exported with vessels owned or operated and as agents during the period from January 1 to January 31, 2022," said Plt. Director-General of Sea Transportation, Arif Toha in an official statement quoted on Monday (3 January 2022).

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The temporary ban on export shipments of coal cargo is stated in the letter Number UM.006/25/20/DA-2021. This letter is addressed to the President Director of the National Sea Transportation Company and the President Director of the National Ship Agency Company.

Meanwhile, the Director of Traffic and Sea Transportation, Capt. Mugen Sartoto said that the ban on issuing SPB had been addressed to the Heads of the Main Kesyahbandaran Office; Heads of Main Port Authority Offices; to the Head of the Harbormaster Office and the Batam Special Port Authority. The prohibition also applies to the Head of the Harbormaster Office and the Port Authority; to the Head of the Port Management Unit Office.

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This policy is related to the explanation of PT PLN which has informed of the Coal Supply Crisis at the PLN Group Steam Power Plant (PLTU) and Independent Power Producer (IPP). This coal scarcity will disrupt the operation of the PLTU which has an impact on the national electricity system.

"SPB as the last instrument for ships to sail, is only given when the cargo and ships are clear and clean with supporting documents," closed Capt. Mugen. (*)