TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian coal entrepreneurs are exploring new export destinations in non-traditional markets in the Asian region, including Vietnam and Pakistan. Independent assessments as well as those involving the government are carried out intensively, especially since the pandemic.

Hendra Sinadia, executive director of the Indonesian Coal Mining Association (APBI), said industry players are shifting their attention to non-traditional market because a number of top importers like Japan, South Korea, and China, have begun to reduce coal use gradually.

"While in developing countries, they are definitely trying to increase their electives with cheap energy. Coal is the cheapest energy source," he told Tempo on Thursday, July 9.

New export destinations coal companies are eyeing include Vietnam. Hendra said that Indonesia has been supplying coal there but in small volumes. In 2019, coal exports to Vietnam amounted to 14.9 metric tons, just 4 percent of total exports that year.

In addition to Vietnam, coal exporters are also exploring opportunities in Pakistan. APBI members have approached business delegates from several other countries as well; Bangladesh, Taiwan, and Sri Lanka.

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Vindry Florentin