"We are going to explain the energy resilience policy, especially regarding coal, because many countries need coal energy," Jero Wacik remarked.
The energy minister noted that Indonesia has vast coal resources, which should be used optimally for the interests of the local people.
"We know that all countries need coal energy, which is available in Indonesia. Therefore, it must be used optimally to meet the domestic need," he stressed.
He added that apart from domestic use, coal was also exported to boost the state`s foreign exchange reserves.
"We export 30 million tons of coal per year, earning a foreign exchange of US$20 billion," the minister noted, adding that around 2,200 people will participate in the Asia Coaltrans Conference in Nusa Dua.
The energy minister said that in the conference, he will encourage the participants and coal mining businessmen in Indonesia and the Asian region to pay more attention to the communities residing around the mining areas.
"The coal mining businessmen should care for the environment and the people living around the mining sites," Jero Wacik remarked.
He declared that the conference, held in collaboration with the Indonesian Coal Mining Association, will discuss various issues related to coal mining industries and their social impact on the surrounding community.
(O001/KR-BSR/F001)
Editor: Suryanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
