Press Release

The formation of state-owned holding the mining sector which is planned to be realized by the end of 2016, was postponed. SOE Minister Rini Soemarno to the media explaining that the process of formation of the holding is still being finalized. He targeted, the state-owned holding the mining sector will be completed in the first quarter in January 2017.

However, state-owned companies to be incorporated in the state-owned holding in the mining sector has been declared ready, including PT Bukit Asam (Persero) Tbk or PTBA. As quoted by Kontan.co.id, PTBA can not wait to be able to join the state-owned holding together with PT Indonesia Asahan Aluminium, or Inalum, PT Aneka Tambang Tbk and PT Timah Tbk.

PTBA president director Arifin told Kontan.co.id Arvyan that he believes the merger of state-owned enterprises in the mining sector had a positive impact on PTBA. With the entry into the state-owned holding, PTBA estimate the financial capabilities and bargaining PTBA business is getting stronger. Therefore, it is not impossible, PTBA expand by acquiring coal mines both domestically and abroad.

But so far, detail plan to acquire mines abroad have not been disclosed. For expansion plans in the country, PTBA eyeing the acquisition of coal mines in Kalimantan. Consideration, infrastructure facilities in Kalimantan is more favorable than Sumatra.
"Sumatra should bother freight train wear, if in Kalimantan only stayed freight barge ride," said Arvyan as quoted by Kontan.co.id.

PTBA does have mine in South Sumatra and Riau. Transportation of coal in Sumatra rely owned railway PT Kereta Api Indonesia (PT KAI). While the train KAI-carrying capacity is limited, so PTBA not maximize the volume of production because it must adjust to the transport capacity.

While in Borneo, PTBA judged that the transport of coal by barge would be more supportive of the production target.