By: Dhita Karuniawati )*
Energy self-sufficiency is a key agenda item in Indonesia’s national development. Amidst global dynamics marked by fluctuating energy prices, geopolitical tensions, and demands for a transition to clean energy, dependence on energy imports poses a serious vulnerability to national resilience. Therefore, strengthening strategic commodities in the energy sector is a crucial step towards achieving national energy independence and sustainability.
Indonesia truly possesses enormous potential energy resources, both fossil fuels and renewable energy (NRE). Coal, oil, and natural gas reserves remain the backbone of the national energy supply, while renewable energy potential such as bioenergy, geothermal, hydropower, solar, and wind continues to show promising prospects. The challenge lies in managing and optimizing these strategic commodities in an integrated manner to support long-term energy self-sufficiency.
Energy is not merely an economic commodity, but also a strategic instrument that directly impacts social stability, industrial growth, and national competitiveness. Dependence on imported fuel oil (BBM) and LPG has burdened the state budget and left the economy vulnerable to external shocks. In this context, strengthening strategic energy commodities is part of efforts to safeguard national sovereignty.
Strategic energy commodities encompass various resources vital to the domestic energy supply, such as oil and gas, coal, and locally sourced bioenergy. Strengthening these commodities involves not only increasing production but also encompassing downstreaming, distribution efficiency, and environmental sustainability.
President Prabowo stated that palm oil is a strategic commodity with numerous derivative products, such as cooking oil, food ingredients, soap, and biodiesel energy. Therefore, President Prabowo called palm oil a miracle crop due to its ability to produce various derivative products needed by the global community.
Prabowo stated that many world leaders have requested Indonesia’s supply of crude palm oil (CPO). Countries in South Asia, North Africa, and Eastern Europe are heavily dependent on Indonesian palm oil supplies. This indicates the commodity’s strategic value.
However, President Prabowo emphasized that the interests of the Indonesian people must be a top priority. Therefore, strategic raw materials, including used palm oil, are being directed to support domestic biodiesel and aviation fuel production.
According to Prabowo, developing palm-based energy will reduce Indonesia’s dependence on energy imports. He aims for Indonesia to become not only self-sufficient in biodiesel but also one of the world’s largest aviation fuel producers.
President Prabowo emphasized that food and energy self-sufficiency is the foundation of economic independence and a key requirement for Indonesia to stand on its own two feet amidst global dynamics.
Previously, President Prabowo Subianto inaugurated the Executive Chair and members of the National Energy Council (DEN) for the 2026-2030 term. The DEN’s existence is seen as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to achieving energy sovereignty.
The General Chairperson of the Indonesian Youth Reform Movement (AMPI), Jerry Sambuaga, stated that the presence of DEN is a form of the state’s presence to oversee the commitment to energy sovereignty.
Jerry assessed that energy is a strategic sector, so the government is paying more attention to this sector.
President Prabowo Subianto inaugurated eight DEN members from stakeholders for the 2026-2030 term at the State Palace. The inauguration was stipulated in Presidential Decree (Keppres) No. 134/P of 2025 concerning the Appointment of National Energy Council Members from Stakeholders.
Within the DEN structure, the institution is led by President Prabowo Subianto as Chairman of the National Energy Council. He is assisted by Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka as Deputy Chairman of the National Energy Council, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia as Daily Chair of the National Energy Council, and seven ministers representing government and stakeholder groups.
Meanwhile, Minister of State Secretary (Mensesneg) Prasetyo Hadi stated that the formation of the National Energy Council (DEN) aims to accelerate the achievement of national energy self-sufficiency, including supporting the acceleration of electricity programs and energy transition.
Regarding the DEN’s work targets, Prasetyo stated that the President has set specific short-term targets, one of the main priorities being increasing national oil lifting to strengthen domestic energy security.
Furthermore, the government is also encouraging a shift in energy consumption patterns toward alternative energy sources such as biofuel and biodiesel. This program is considered strategic because the energy sector will need a long time to balance national energy needs with domestic production capacity.
Promoting energy self-sufficiency by strengthening strategic commodities is not a short-term agenda, but rather a continuous process that requires consistent policies, technological support, and the participation of all stakeholders. By maximizing the potential of domestic resources, Indonesia can reduce dependence on imports, maintain supply stability, and strengthen national energy security.
Ultimately, energy self-sufficiency is not just about energy availability, but also about sovereignty, sustainability, and the well-being of the people. By strengthening strategic commodities in an integrated and long-term manner, Indonesia has a significant opportunity to become self-sufficient in the energy sector and establish it as a strong foundation for sustainable national development.
*) The author is a contributor to the Indonesian Strategic Information Study Institute
