Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has declared his ambition to achieve national fuel self-sufficiency within the next five years, aiming to eliminate the country’s reliance on fuel imports during his administration.
Speaking at a Halal Bihalal gathering with retired military and police officers at Balai Kartini in Jakarta on Tuesday (May 6, 2025), President Prabowo emphasized his determination to make Indonesia energy independent.
“In truth, we shouldn’t need to import fuel,” Prabowo said. “Under my leadership, Indonesia must achieve energy self-sufficiency within five years.”
Highlighting Indonesia’s vast natural resources, Prabowo stressed that energy independence is not just an economic goal but also a strategic defense priority.
“We must realize that Indonesia is constantly targeted because of our wealth,” he said. “We have nickel, bauxite, and the world’s largest palm oil reserves.”
Prabowo pointed to palm oil as a key commodity that has become strategically important on the global stage. He noted strong demand from countries such as Egypt, Pakistan, India, and across Europe.
“Wherever I go, world leaders ask me, ‘Your Excellency, please give us priority access to Indonesian palm oil,’” he said.
Read Also:
President Prabowo Vows to Erase Legacy Debts Burdening Indonesia’s Small Farmers
According to Prabowo, palm oil has immense potential, with derivatives yielding up to 67 types of processed products, one of which is fuel. He emphasized that harnessing palm oil as a domestic energy source could play a crucial role in boosting the nation’s fuel production.
By converting palm oil into fuel, Prabowo asserted, Indonesia could significantly reduce or even eliminate its dependence on imported foreign oil. He states that Indonesia currently spends approximately $40 billion (around Rp661 trillion) annually on fuel imports.
“We can produce fuel from palm oil. Our country doesn’t need to import fuel at all,” he asserted.
President Prabowo concluded by reaffirming his commitment to achieve fuel self-sufficiency and create a self-reliant Indonesia, free from foreign dependence. “Indonesia must stand on its own two feet and not bow to foreign interests,” he said.
(Raidi/Agung)
