Indonesia Sets New Mining Price Rules, Considers Export Taxes to Increase Revenue and Control

Indonesia’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has introduced new benchmark prices for major mining commodities such as nickel, bauxite, iron, gold, and copper. The regulation, signed by Bahlil Lahadalia, took effect on April 15, 2026, and aims to ensure the government earns more accurate and higher revenue from the mining sector.

At the same time, the government is still reviewing plans to apply export taxes on coal and nickel. According to Tri Winarno, several options are being studied, including possible taxes on processed nickel products like Nickel Pig Iron (NPI). However, the exact tax rates and calculation methods have not been finalized.

Meanwhile, Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa explained that export duties on coal are also intended to reduce fraud, such as underreporting prices or illegal shipments. With this policy, coal exports can be checked before leaving the country, improving oversight. It also allows the Ministry of Finance to play a bigger role in monitoring exports and securing state revenue. The government is still estimating how much additional income this policy could generate.

CNBC Indonesia. (2026, April 15). RI jadi terapkan bea keluar batu bara & nikel? Ini kata ESDM.