Indonesia's Mining Sector Faces 2026 RKAB Delay Due to Production Adjustments

National Nickel Production Undergoing Significant Changes

The Indonesian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has postponed the approval of the 2026 Work Plan and Budget (RKAB) for mining companies, including major nickel producer PT Vale Indonesia Tbk (INCO) ¹

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Source 2

https://industri.kontan.co.id/news/esdm-beberkan-alasan-rkab-2026-vale-inco-belum-terbit-ini-penyebabnya

. The delay is attributed to planned adjustments in national nickel production rather than outright cuts, according to Tri Winarno, Director General of Mineral and Coal at ESDM ¹

Source 1

https://industri.kontan.co.id/news/rkab-2026-belum-terbit-esdm-ungkap-ada-penyesuaian-produksi-nikel-nasional

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Reasons Behind the Delay

The ministry has indicated that the RKAB approval process is being influenced by broader national production policies. Tri Winarno emphasized that the changes are adjustments rather than reductions, suggesting a strategic realignment of production targets ¹

. Specific details about Vale's production plan adjustments were not disclosed, but the company is one of Indonesia's largest nickel producers.

Implications for Mining Companies

The delay in RKAB approval creates uncertainty for mining companies operating in Indonesia, particularly those in the nickel sector. While the ministry maintains that this is an adjustment rather than a cutback, the changes could have significant implications for production volumes and company operations in 2026 ²

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