Jakarta - Jambi Governor, Dr. H. Al Haris, S.Sos, MH, along with the Regents and Mayors of Jambi Province, held a meeting with the Ministry of Forestry regarding the challenges facing the forestry sector. The meeting, which was warmly received by Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni and his staff, took place in the Ministry of Forestry Meeting Room in Jakarta on Tuesday (July 14, 2025).
During the meeting, Jambi Governor Al Haris stated that, first, Jambi Province's economic growth is significantly influenced by coal export performance. Coal exports have increased significantly in 2022, in line with economic growth, with a national economic growth target of 7%, thus boosting the coal sector as the most significant contributor.
"We have substantial coal reserves totaling over 3 billion tons, but we don't have a coal hauling facility. Therefore, each year, we achieve only 13 million tons of the government's 40 million ton quota. State revenues from Merangin, Sarolangun, Batang Hari, and Muaro Jambi are also small. Consequently, the DBH (Regional Revenue Sharing) area is small," explained Governor Al Haris.
"Meanwhile, demand for this coal is extraordinary, both domestically and internationally," he added.
Governor Al Haris also explained the need for a dedicated coal road that could divert traffic from public roads, thereby improving the efficiency of mining logistics. The Jambi Province dedicated coal road plan includes access to production forest areas.
1. Managed by PT. SAS, a borrow-to-use permit has been issued, and the next stage is boundary determination.
2. Managed by PT. Inti Bangun Persada, a borrow-to-use permit has been applied for and is in process.
"We have implemented a policy to issue coal hauling permits. Three companies have requested permits: PT. PUTRA BULIAN, PT. INTI BANGUN SARANA, and PT. SAS. Once approved, the nearly 4 billion tons of coal will be processed," he explained.
Furthermore, in his presentation, Governor Al Haris mentioned that, secondly, the Graha Nyabu geothermal project has the potential to create new jobs during the operational phase and is expected to boost the local economy. However, the obstacle faced is the Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra (TRHBS) status of the Graha Nyabu WPSPE, located within the Kerinci Sebelat National Park area.
"This issue has delayed the licensing process for the Graho Nyabu PSPE activities due to the waiting period for the TRHS boundary modification process to be completed," Governor Al Haris continued.
Governor Al Haris also added that, thirdly, evacuation routes are limited due to Kerinci Regency, home to the highest volcano in Indonesia. Its unique geographical conditions pose a high risk of various disasters, such as volcanic eruptions, landslides, and earthquakes. In response, the Jambi Provincial Government, through its Regional Spatial Plan (RTRW), has prepared disaster mitigation measures. A preliminary study was conducted in 2021, but was hampered by permitting issues.
"Therefore, I ask the Minister to provide support and solutions to our problems," Governor Al Haris requested.
In response, Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni stated that all existing issues would be addressed quickly, carefully, and with optimal results.
"I am very pleased to meet today, the governor and the regents and mayors. We discussed many things, and we have a wide agenda. I promise to work with all my might to ensure the issues in Jambi are resolved effectively," he concluded.
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