Jakarta, suaradewata.com – The government continues to strengthen its efforts toward national energy self-sufficiency by making strategic commodities a key pillar of its sustainable energy policy. Utilizing superior domestic natural resources is considered key to reducing dependence on energy imports while strengthening national resilience amid increasingly uncertain global dynamics.
Several strategic commodities, such as coal, natural gas, petroleum, palm oil, bioenergy, critical minerals, and rare earth metals, are now being targeted not only as sources of foreign exchange but also as the foundation of the national energy transition. The government is encouraging the optimization of added value through downstream processing and the use of technology so that these commodities can sustainably support domestic energy needs.
President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that energy self-sufficiency is a crucial part of the national independence strategy. In his remarks at the Central and Regional Government Coordination Meeting, he stated that Indonesia has significant advantages in palm oil and bioenergy development. He explained that palm oil is not only a food commodity but also a strategic energy raw material. Palm oil derivatives are considered capable of supporting national fuel needs.
“Palm oil isn’t just for cooking oil. Therefore, biodiesel is free from external dependence,” he said.
In the context of fossil fuels, the government has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining coal and natural gas supplies to meet the needs of national power plants and strategic industries. At the same time, bioenergy development based on plantation and agricultural commodities such as palm oil, sugar cane, and biomass continues to be expanded to support a more environmentally friendly national energy mix.
Irwandi Arif, Chairman of the Indonesia Mining Institute (IMI), explained that strategic mineral commodities such as nickel, cobalt, and rare earth metals are positioned as crucial elements in the development of new and renewable energy, particularly for electric vehicle batteries and energy storage systems. This step aligns with the government’s efforts to accelerate the energy transition and strengthen Indonesia’s position in the future global energy supply chain.
“We face a fundamental challenge: increasing exploration activities to ensure reserve sustainability and long-term competitiveness. Meanwhile, we must also capitalize on the demand for a number of critical mineral products,” he said when contacted recently.
The government also emphasized the importance of cross-sector synergy, from technical ministries, state-owned enterprises (SOEs), business actors, and regional governments, to ensure effective and sustainable management of strategic commodities. Strengthening regulations, increasing investment, and mastering technology are key factors in ensuring that the benefits of national energy resources are felt by the wider community.
Through planned and long-term management of strategic commodities, the government is optimistic that the target of energy self-sufficiency can be achieved. This policy not only ensures national energy availability but is also expected to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and strengthen Indonesia’s energy sovereignty in the future.