At some time in the past.
I met an old friend, economist Faisal Basri at Supadio airport, Pontianak while departing from the equatorial city to Jakarta. In the past, we often met and discussed.
That time, we met at Supadio airport, Pontianak. As a friend, it’s a missed meeting. We express friendship with each other, both through words and gestures. Then, the topic turned to the problem faced by Kalimantan: The energy crisis.
“Why is Kalimantan rich in energy sources, coal for example, but always has an energy crisis?”
Striking question. At the same time, sue. Yes, yes. Why?
The coal crisis in the world from time to time shows various indicators, even though the need for solid fuel is increasing.
World energy demand increased with rapid economic growth by about 4% per year in the 1950s and 1960s, but total coal production was only 2% during this period. Solid fuels currently account for no more than 30% of the world’s total energy supply.
Coal accounts for 30% of the world’s energy supply, 40% of electricity production, and 70% of the fuel for traditional thermal power generation and is also a supplier to the iron and steel industry. Coal supply for domestic industries and households reaches almost 40% of the market.
Consumption is predicted to only use up to 5-10% of coal capital by the end of this century. The price of coal per thermal unit is currently a third of the price of oil.
Why is Kalimantan rich in energy sources, coal for example, but always has an energy crisis
The coal industry, which is a labor-based industry, is threatened with a decrease in production output on the one hand and an increase in procurement costs on the other.
It is estimated that global coal demand will fall by around 8% in 2020, the biggest drop since World War II, with coal use declining in almost every sector in every region of the world.
In China, coal demand fell in 2020 by around 5%.
Apparently, Kalimantan stores various mines in the bowels of the earth. Sources of energy, coal and oil; available.
Unfortunately, the raw materials are taken outside the island.
From coal hotspots in Kalimantan, the material is excavated, collected, then transported through rivers. Rafts and barges are ready to carry it through the river currents until it stops at the estuaries. There, there was already a big ship waiting for cargo.
Several times, I have encountered barges carrying coal through rivers in Kalimantan. Barge engine sounds like a giant coughing. I was so loaded, the road like a snail. That opportunity, I did not waste it. I photographed it.
On the Barito, Kahayan, Mahakam, and Kapuas Rivers. Then, when the “tongkang” (Hakka: very big ships) arrived at the mouth of the river, there were already ships to accommodate “our coal” entirely mate. And take it, I don’t know where?
Many miners are illegal. Some are legal. But where’s the difference? If both dredge local energy sources, with greed. Then take all that outside?