Indonesia's power sector faces blackouts amid coal shortages, impacting businesses and homes

Indonesia, one of the world's largest coal producers, is experiencing widespread power outages, affecting homes and businesses across its economy. The shortages stem from reduced mining quotas implemented last year to boost prices, combined with rising costs. President Prabowo Subianto has ordered the energy minister and state utility PLN to expedite solutions for the ongoing blackouts. The crisis highlights Indonesia's heavy reliance on coal for two-thirds of its electricity, particularly for its nickel processing sector, a critical component of global stainless steel and electric vehicle supply chains.