Jakarta – The Indonesian government is aiming to achieve energy self-sufficiency within the next five years by harnessing the country’s abundant natural resources. President Prabowo Subianto stated that palm oil and nickel will serve as the two main commodities supporting the strategic push toward national energy independence.
President Prabowo emphasized that Indonesia holds immense untapped potential that can be leveraged to strengthen energy sovereignty.
“The world is facing challenges that require us to rise. Indonesia must recognize the vast potential it possesses, especially in palm oil, which has now become a critical commodity,” he asserted.
According to the President, palm oil is not only a leading export product but also holds strategic value in renewable energy production. He noted that palm oil can be used to produce more than 65 derivative products, including fuel.
“From palm oil, we can produce over 65 products, including fuel. Our country no longer needs to spend nearly 40 billion dollars annually on fuel imports,” said Prabowo.
In terms of national resilience, the President stated that energy independence is an essential part of the country’s defense strategy. He believes that Indonesia’s natural wealth has often been a source of external pressure and interference, making it imperative to build strength from within.
“We must realize that Indonesia is constantly being interfered with because we are rich. We have the world’s largest reserves of nickel, bauxite, and palm oil,” he remarked.
President Prabowo further stressed that developing energy from local commodities must be accompanied by domestic downstream industrialization. This approach not only produces energy but also creates jobs, enhances value-added processes, and reduces dependence on imported technology.
“I am determined that under my leadership, Indonesia will achieve fuel and energy self-sufficiency within five years. This is not just a dream, but a spirit of resilience—to rise and stand on our own feet,” he declared.
Prabowo also opened the door to international collaboration, particularly with other developing nations that share similar goals in renewable energy development.
“If we can do it, so can they. Let’s work together to harness the incredible potential of Indonesia’s palm oil,” he added.
The President also underscored the importance of safeguarding national sovereignty in all aspects of development. He called on all Indonesians to embody the spirit of self-reliance, as demonstrated by the nation’s founding fathers.
“We must not be servants in our own land. This is the spirit we must instill: we must be capable, or die standing. I refuse to let our nation be subservient in its own homeland,” he concluded.
This policy of energy self-sufficiency forms part of President Prabowo’s broader vision to establish a strong, sovereign, and sustainable economic foundation. By optimizing key national commodities, Indonesia aims to become a major player in the global energy sector while also enhancing comprehensive national resilience.
