Recommendations on coal mine methane for Indonesia’s Second NDC

Ember recommends that Indonesia update its coal mine methane (CMM) emission calculations using IPCC 'average' global emission factors, as current estimates based on 'low emission factors' likely undercount emissions. The brief argues for the inclusion of underground mining data, the development of region-specific emission factors for Sumatra and Kalimantan, and the mandate of direct measurement in underground mines to improve safety and accuracy. It further suggests integrating GHG reporting into business licensing and implementing mitigation techniques like pre-mine drainage and Ventilation Air Methane (VAM) capture. Finally, it advises limiting coal expansion to avoid stranded assets and preparing a just transition for coal-producing regions through renewable energy and critical mineral industries.

• Indonesia's 2019 reported coal mine methane (CMM) emissions of 128 kilotons CH4 are likely underestimated because they used a "low emission factor" of 0.3 m³/ton of coal, which the IPCC suggests only for mines shallower than 25 metres. Using an "average" global emission factor of 1.2 m3/ton would have increased the estimated fugitive methane emissions to 537 kt CH4.
• Current national estimates exclude emissions from underground coal mines, despite the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) noting 15 underground mining companies. The IPCC estimates underground mines have a methane intensity up to 25 times higher than surface mines; one large Indonesian underground mine with a 20 million ton annual capacity at 650 metres depth could produce up to 332 kilotons CH4 without mitigation.
• There is a lack of corporate transparency regarding methane, with 6 out of 10 of the largest coal companies in Indonesia failing to report CMM emissions in sustainability reports. Ember recommends integrating GHG emission reporting into the business licensing process, specifically as a requirement for submitting the work and budget plan (RKAB) to the Ministry of Energy.
• To mitigate CMM, Indonesia should adopt pre-mine drainage for both surface and underground mines and capture Ventilation Air Methane (VAM) using Regenerative Thermal Oxidiser technology for underground mines. These projects could be supported via carbon trading mechanisms.
• To avoid stranded assets and prepare for a just transition, Indonesia should limit coal expansion, as current production quotas (922 million tons in 2024) are sufficient for domestic and export needs. Transitioning coal-producing regions to renewable energy projects could create nearly 100,000 jobs and attract over USD 9 billion in investment.

APA

Setiawan, D. (2024). Recommendations on coal mine methane for Indonesia’s Second NDC. Ember. https://ember-energy.org/app/uploads/2024/09/ENG-Ember-Policy-Paper-Recommendations-for-Indonesia-Second-NDC-3.pdf

Chicago

Setiawan, Dody. Recommendations on coal mine methane for Indonesia’s Second NDC. Ember, 2024. https://ember-energy.org/app/uploads/2024/09/ENG-Ember-Policy-Paper-Recommendations-for-Indonesia-Second-NDC-3.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Setiawan |first1=Dody |title=Recommendations on coal mine methane for Indonesia’s Second NDC |publisher=Ember |date=30 August 2024 |url=https://ember-energy.org/app/uploads/2024/09/ENG-Ember-Policy-Paper-Recommendations-for-Indonesia-Second-NDC-3.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{setiawan2024recommendations, author = {Setiawan, Dody}, title = {{Recommendations on coal mine methane for Indonesia’s Second NDC}}, institution = {Ember}, year = {2024}, month = aug, url = {https://ember-energy.org/app/uploads/2024/09/ENG-Ember-Policy-Paper-Recommendations-for-Indonesia-Second-NDC-3.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }