Coal market in Indonesia

Earlier Report Observations

Coal market volume in Indonesia expanded from 134.2 million tonnes in 2018 to 231.6 million tonnes in 2022, driven by rising domestic production which increased from 557.8 million tonnes to 687.4 million tonnes over the same period. Although a global shift toward renewable energy since 2018 pressured export markets, domestic consumption grew steadily as imports rose from 5.5 million tonnes to 10.7 million tonnes and exports increased from 429.1 million tonnes to 466.6 million tonnes.

By 2024, national coal production hit a record 836 million tonnes supported by abundant reserves and competitive production costs. However, in 2025 production fell to 790 million tonnes, a 5.5% year-on-year drop, due to decreased demand from key export markets China and India and government production cut policies. Imports surged to 22.5 million tonnes in 2025, while exports remained high at 524.0 million tonnes, though export restrictions were discussed in response to falling global prices. State-owned PT Bukit Asam announced new Coal Handling Facility projects to boost distribution capacity.

Production coal in Indonesia

In kind, 2018-2021, M t

From 2018 to 2021, Indonesia maintained its position as the world's third-largest coal producer by volume.

Top producers of coal, 2018-2021

World map of production of coal, 2018-2021

In 2021, Indonesia produced 614.0 million tonnes of coal, marking an 8.9% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 10.1%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 3.3%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 616.2 million tonnes, with the largest annual increase of 10.5% also occurring that year. In contrast, 2020 saw the most significant decline, with production dropping by 8.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Indonesia in kind, 2018-2021, M t

Exports coal from Indonesia

Exports in kind, M t

In 2021, Indonesia's coal exports reached 433.7 million tonnes, showing a moderate increase of 6.6% compared to the previous year. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 459.1 million tonnes, with a notable increase of 7.0% that year. In 2020, exports fell to their lowest point at 406.9 million tonnes, representing the largest decline of 11.4% during the period.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Indonesia in kind, 2018-2021, M t

Between 2018 and 2021, the primary destinations for Indonesia's coal exports in volume terms were China, accounting for 34.7% of exports, India with 23.3%, and South Korea at 6.6%. Together, these three countries represented 64.6% of Indonesia's total coal export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Indonesia in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. In 2021, coal deliveries from Indonesia totaled 31 508 million US dollars, reflecting a substantial increase of 91.4% from the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 16 458 million US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 24.3%. Overall, the period showed a peak in 2021 and a trough in 2020, with a 1.9-fold difference between these years.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Indonesia in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, the main destinations for Indonesia's coal exports in value terms were China, representing 32.4% of exports, India at 18.9%, and Japan with 10.0%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 61.3% of the total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Indonesia in value, 2018-2021

Imports coal to Indonesia

Imports in kind, M t

Indonesia's coal import volume increased for the third consecutive year in 2021, reaching 13.4 million tonnes, which represents a significant rise of 63.8% from the prior year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 144.5%, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate of 34.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Indonesia in kind, 2018-2021, M t

Between 2018 and 2021, Australia was the dominant source for Indonesia's coal imports in volume terms, absorbing 74.5% of total imports. The remaining imports were distributed across a wide range of smaller destinations.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Indonesia in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

The market displayed volatility during these years. In 2021, coal deliveries to Indonesia amounted to 2 276 million US dollars, showing a sharp uptick of 152.1% over the past year. The largest decline occurred in 2020, with a drop of 14.2%. The highest import value was reached in 2021, while the lowest was in 2018, resulting in a 2.5-fold gap between these years.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Indonesia in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Australia remained the leading supplier of coal to Indonesia in value terms, accounting for 71.4% of total imports. The rest was spread across many other countries.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Indonesia in value, 2018-2021