Indonesian energy minister has signed a degree for coal transportation permits on Friday

Saturday, 05 February 11
Minister of Energy, Darwin Minister Saleh said, that, he had signed a degree for transportation and sale of coal, which was the hot topic in Indonesian coal industry since early last month, as quoted by Investor Daily.
“I already signed the decree” minister said yesterday, Investor daily reported.
According to the minister, “ he was very cautioned to take a decision as any decision should not lead to any problem later date.
"We were not slow, but there should be a balance between speed and caution” he said. The extra caution was necessary because this is the delegation of authority from the minister to the director general. Moreover, coal is a strategic commodity, so the decision which ever we take should not be disturbed the national interest” minister further said, according to media.
He further explained, "the part of authority to handle coal sector has already transferred to local government. Therefore, central government must take the necessary safeguard to secure national interest", as quoted by Investor Daily.
Previously, Indonesian Coal Mining Association (APBI) deplores, if the minister will not issue the mining permit production operations and sale soon, then it might affect coal ports.
On 24th January 2011, APBI has sent a letter to Minister of Energy to issue the IUP OP K PP as soon as possible. ICMA also has notified that, around 60 - 70 vessels were arrested at coal loading ports around Indonesia and losing around US$ 20000-30000 dollars per day.
Temporarily export restriction has cost around 3.5 million tons with around 227. 5 million dollars loses. If the export delay continues, then the coal which was piled for a longer period may catch fire itself.