Jakarta, May 2 -- Indonesia will continue to rely on coal‑fired power plants (PLTU) to ensure energy efficiency and keep electricity prices affordable, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said on Saturday.

Speaking at an event organized by the IPB Alumni Association in Jakarta, Bahlil noted that Indonesia's large coal reserves make the resource essential, particularly amid global energy disruptions linked to rising tensions in the Middle East.

He argued that Indonesia cannot abruptly abandon coal, pointing out that several developed countries-including the United States and parts of Europe-are returning to coal to safeguard domestic energy security.

"Now America is considering coal as an option. Europe too, wit...