Kalimantan river levels disrupt coal and fuel distribution

Low water levels in Kalimantan's rivers are disrupting the distribution of coal and fuel oil (BBM). The Indonesian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources reported that several barges and heavy cargo ships are unable to move because the rivers have dried up, hindering essential energy logistics in the region.

Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Yuliot Tanjung clarified that the transport delays are due to environmental conditions rather than production quotas. Similarly, Director General of Oil and Gas Laode Sulaeman noted that the receding rivers have caused fuel shortages by obstructing distribution vessels. To mitigate this, authorities are increasing the use of land-based fuel deliveries via trucks, though the transport volume of trucks is significantly lower than that of river vessels.

In Samarinda, Mayor Andi Harun has urged the public to conserve clean water as the Mahakam River experiences shrinking water levels and increased chloride levels due to the prolonged dry season.