ICN News, Jakarta – Issues surrounding the revision of the 2026 Work Plan and Budget (RKAB) are affecting not only mining permit holders but also the broader mining services industry, including mining contractors, heavy equipment providers and workers.
On September 10, 2026, Director General of Mineral and Coal at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Tri Winarno said around 50 mining companies were still awaiting evaluation of their 2026 RKAB revision applications. The government was reviewing the administrative and technical requirements of each application.
However, the figure represented the situation when the statement was made. Subsequent developments showed that the evaluation process continued, meaning the figure should not be interpreted as 50 companies still awaiting approval as of September 23.
The industry’s main concern is the impact of delays or reductions in production quotas on the broader mining business chain.
Mining Contractors Feel The Ripple Effect
Mining contractors generally depend on the production volumes determined by mine owners. When production quotas are reduced or additional quotas have yet to be approved, activities such as overburden removal, coal or ore hauling, heavy equipment operations and other supporting services must also be adjusted.
The Indonesian Mining Services Association (Aspindo) previously said the reduction in 2026 RKAB production quotas had put pressure on contractors. Some companies reportedly reduced their workforce and the number of heavy equipment units in operation. The Indonesian Mining Experts Association (Perhapi) also highlighted cases of idle heavy equipment and workers being temporarily laid off due to slower mining activity.
This means the RKAB issue is not simply about whether a mine can produce more coal or minerals. For contractors, RKAB certainty determines how many machines need to operate, how many workers are required, and how much can be invested in and mobilized for mining equipment.
Weda Bay Shows The Real Impact
The impact has been particularly visible in the nickel industry. PT Weda Bay Nickel (WBN) previously faced a production halt after its 2026 RKAB quota was set at only 12 million wet metric tons (wmt), compared with 42 million wmt in 2025.
After the quota was exhausted, WBN entered a care-and-maintenance phase. Production activity declined significantly, while the company continued environmental management activities, including water management, land rehabilitation and revegetation.
Eramet Indonesia CEO Jerome Baudelet previously said Weda Bay Nickel and its contractors employed around 18,000–19,000 people. The reduction in production capacity had the potential to reduce the workforce by as much as 65% during certain periods.
WBN has since moved toward increasing its activities again. However, the pace of production recovery depends partly on the company’s ability to remobilize contractors and equipment and reorganize its mining plan.
The WBN case demonstrates how production quota decisions can create a ripple effect extending to contractors and workers.
Bayan: RKAB Revision Finally Approved
A different development occurred at Bayan Resources.
Three Bayan subsidiaries—PT Tiwa Abadi, PT Tanur Jaya and PT Fajar Sakti Prima—had previously been awaiting approval for their 2026 RKAB revisions. The situation led the three companies to issue force majeure notices concerning certain coal supply obligations to customers.
However, on September 21, 2026, ESDM confirmed that the revised RKAB applications for the three subsidiaries had been approved. Their combined additional coal production quota was reported at around 15–20 million tons.
The Bayan development demonstrates how an approved RKAB revision can provide mining companies with additional room to optimize production. At the same time, the additional quota could help restore work volumes for contractors affected by earlier production restrictions.
Impact Could Carry Into 2027
According to Indonesian Coal and Nickel News (ICN NEWS) data, the 2026 RKAB issue should be viewed as more than an administrative matter concerning production approvals.
For contractors, time is a critical factor. Additional quotas approved toward the end of the year may help increase activity, but companies must reassess their ability to mobilize equipment and workers within the remaining operating period.
As a result, some of the impact of the 2026 RKAB delays could extend into 2027 business planning.
ESDM has also begun asking mining companies to evaluate the implementation of the 2026 RKAB system and prepare their business plans for the following year.
For Indonesia’s mining industry, RKAB certainty is therefore becoming increasingly important. A single production quota decision can affect a much broader business ecosystem—from mine owners and contractors to heavy equipment operators, suppliers, logistics companies and workers.
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