Indonesia on Monday eased the ban on exporting coal and allowed the release of 14 vessels for export, according to an Indonesian government official.

“As of today (10 January), seeing the condition of (state-owned electric company Perusahaan Listrik Negara) PLN’s supply which is much better, for 14 ships that already have a full load of coal, and have been paid for by the buyer, be immediately released for export,” Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said in a statement.

Luhut, however, said that the number of ships must be verified by the directorate-general of Mineral and Coal, and of Sea Transportation. Barges that load coal for export, meanwhile, are still not allowed to export as it is still directed to meet the needs of electric steam power plants or Pembangkit Listrik Tenaga Uap (PLTU) that still need supplies, Luhut said.

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