Novali Panji Nugroho, Jakarta – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto claimed on Monday that palm oil is a national asset and the government must increase and expand palm oil plantations in the country.
The head of state also directed his staff to bolster the security measures over palm oil to protect the commodity from external interests.
"Don't be afraid of deforestation," said Prabowo during his speech on Monday, December 30, 2024, adding that the commodity is derived from trees due to the presence of leaves, which in turn will absorb carbon dioxide.
Prabowo also underscored the plan for European countries to restrict palm oil imports from Indonesia.
Responding to that, the president said to pay no mind to the issue, as restrictions on palm oil imports will bring chaos to other countries' industries.
"This will bring chaos to their cocoa, detergent, and cosmetics industries. Indonesia will be fine," he said.
Authorities to guard palm oil plantations
Prabowo also asked security forces, part of the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI), and the National Police to help regional governments safeguard the palm oil plantations spread across the country.
This directive stems from his belief that Indonesia's palm oil commodities are being actively targeted by foreign nations.
"They really need our palm oil, as it turns out, palm oil is a strategic material," he said, adding that many countries expect too much from Indonesia.
"Many countries are afraid of not getting palm oil," said Prabowo.