President Prabowo Targets Energy Self-Sufficiency through Palm Oil and Nickel Commodities
Jakarta – The government is targeting energy self-sufficiency in the next five years by utilizing the strength of national natural resources. President Prabowo Subianto said that palm oil and nickel will be the two main commodities that support strategic efforts towards energy independence.
President Prabowo emphasized that Indonesia has great potential that has not been fully utilized to strengthen national energy sovereignty.
“The world is facing challenges that require us to rise. Indonesia must be aware of the great potential it has, especially in palm oil which is now a critical commodity,” he said.
According to the President, palm oil is not only a leading export commodity, but also has strategic value in renewable energy production. He said that more than 65 types of products can be produced from palm oil, including fuel oil (BBM).
“From palm oil, we can produce more than 65 products, including BBM. Our country no longer needs to import BBM at a cost of almost 40 billion dollars every year,” said Prabowo.
In the context of national resilience, the President said that energy independence is an important part of the country’s defense strategy. According to him, Indonesia’s natural wealth is often the reason for foreign pressure or intervention. Therefore, building strength from within the country is a must.
“We must be aware that Indonesia is always disturbed because we are rich. We have the largest nickel, bauxite, and palm oil in the world,” he said.
Furthermore, President Prabowo also emphasized that the development of local commodity-based energy must be accompanied by the development of downstream industries in the country, so that it not only produces energy, but also creates jobs, strengthens added value, and reduces dependence on imported technology.
“I am determined, under my leadership, Indonesia will move towards self-sufficiency in fuel and energy in five years. This is not just a dream, but a spirit to not give up and stand on our own two feet,” he said.
Prabowo Prabowo even opened up opportunities for international collaboration, especially with developing countries that have similar interests in developing renewable energy.
“If we can, they can too. Let’s work together to utilize the extraordinary potential of Indonesian palm oil,” he added.
The President also called for the importance of maintaining national sovereignty in every aspect of development. He invited all elements of society to foster a spirit of independence as exemplified by the nation’s founders.
“We must not be lackeys in our own land. This is the spirit that must be instilled: we must be able to or die standing. I don’t want our nation to be lackeys in our own country,” he concluded.
This energy self-sufficiency policy is part of President Prabowo’s grand vision to lay the foundations for a strong, sovereign, and sustainable economy. Through the optimization of superior national commodities, Indonesia is directed to become a major player in the global energy sector, while strengthening national resilience as a whole.
