JAKARTA. The government will evaluate coal export permits to the Philippines after Vice President Jusuf Kalla threatened to stop shipments to the neighboring country following multiple abductions of Indonesian nationals.

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Sudirman Said stated he understood that the safety of Indonesian nationals was one of the government's priorities.

"We understand the government's policy and we will evaluate coal export permits until the Philippines government can guarantee the safety of our people," he told reporters at the ministry's headquarters in Central Jakarta on Wednesday.

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Kalla had suggested to suspend coal shipments to the Philippines, after Indonesian nationals were abducted in the region by the Abu Sayyaf militant group four times since March, local media reported. The possible suspension would only be lifted if the Philippines increased security in its waters.

Sudirman assured that the possible suspension of coal exports to the Philippines would not disrupt Indonesia's coal industry, as it was unlikely that the neighboring country would allow the exports to stop.

"The Philippines will want to find a solution and they would not let their coal supply be disrupted. So we are just sending them a message that they must ensure [our people's safety] if they want to keep up their supply," he said, adding that his ministry would continue to cooperate with the Foreign Ministry and the Trade Ministry to discuss the issue.

Indonesia exports approximately 15-19 million tons to the Philippines every year, according to data from the Indonesian Coal Mining Association (APBI). The country’s overall coal exports to the world reached 80.22 million tons from January to June this year, data from the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry shows. (Fedina S. Sundaryani)