In line with President Joko Widodo's vision to accelerate the increase of coal added value, PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA) continues to prove and carry out its commitment as a pioneer in developing coal downstream business in Indonesia.

PTBA's commitment is shown in the commitment to build a downstream coal to dymethyl ether (DME) plant located in Tanjung Enim, South Sumatra.

The coal downstream plant will process 6 million tons of coal per year to be converted into 1.4 million tons of DME which can be used as an alternative fuel to replace LPG.

The presence of DME as an alternative fuel can help reduce LPG imports and save foreign exchange. Based on the calculation of the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment, the country's potential savings could reach IDR8.7 trillion.

The downstream project construction preparation is planned to start in mid-2021 and target operations in 2025. This downstream project has also been approved by President Joko Widodo as part of the National Strategic Program as stipulated in Presidential Regulation No. 18/2020.