Jakarta, Sept. 1 -- Indonesia has begun construction of a coal-to-methanol project in East Kalimantan that is expected to produce 1.3 million metric tons of methanol annually, strengthening domestic industry and reducing import dependence, the Energy Ministry said Monday.

Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry Deputy Minister Yuliot said the National Strategic Project would convert low-calorie coal into methanol for domestic industries, increasing the value of coal resources while supporting energy security and independence.

"This project is part of our efforts to increase the value of natural resources, strengthen domestic industry, reduce dependence on imports, and support national energy security and independence," Yuliot said in a st...