Jakarta. Indonesia’s efforts to achieve net zero emissions (NZE) by 2060 face major hurdles, particularly in the mining sector, where fossil fuel-powered vehicles continue to dominate operations.

Bisman Bakhtiar, Executive Director of the Center for Energy and Mining Law Studies (Pushep), said the sector remains a major source of carbon emissions, especially as coal mining expands across the country.

“It is very difficult to implement NZE in the mining industry. Coal production increases every year, and operations still rely heavily on fossil-fueled vehicles and heavy equipment that produce high emissions,” Bisman told Beritasatu.com  on Wednesday.

He acknowledged that the government has taken steps toward an energy transition, but efforts remain hampered by the long-delayed passage of the New and Renewable Energy Bill (RUU EBET).

“The bill has been under discussion between the House of Representatives and the government for over five years, yet it remains unresolved,” Bisman said.

Echoing similar concerns, Anggawira, Chairman of the Indonesian Energy, Mineral, and Coal Suppliers Association (Aspebindo), urged the mining industry to adopt greener practices. These include reforesting post-mining areas and gradually shifting to renewable energy sources like solar power.

He also called on the government to support the transition through fiscal incentives and streamlined permits for environmentally responsible mining practices.

“The government should ease licensing and offer incentives for companies that develop solar power plants, reforest mining sites, or electrify heavy equipment,” Anggawira said.

Indonesia, one of the world's largest coal exporters, is seeking to balance its resource-driven economy with long-term sustainability goals. However, experts warn that without policy reform and stronger industry incentives, the road to NZE will remain steep.