Indonesia's coal production in Q1 below target

Indonesia cannot meet its coal production target in the first quarter of this year due to technical issues, including heavy rain, an  energy and mineral resources ministry director said.

Bambang Gatot Ariyono, director for coal and mineral development at the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry, said that the coal production in the first quarter of this year was only 30 million tons or lower than the initial target of 50 million.

"Coal companies report that some technical problems have hampered their production. Included in the problems is heavy rains," Bambang told reporters Wednesday.

Despite the lower production in the first quarter, Bambang said Indonesia would still be able to reach the full year production target of 220 million tons.

"Coal companies have said that they will boost their production in the second quarter," he said.