Eka Yudha Saputra, Jakarta – Indonesian president Prabowo Subianto is urging the expansion of oil palm cultivation in Papua as a means to produce alternative fuel to replace hydrocarbon-based energy.
He conveyed the directive during a briefing at the State Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, attended by six governors and 42 regents from Papua, members of the Red-and-White Cabinet, and the Executive Committee for the Acceleration of Special Autonomy Development in Papua.
"Going forward, we hope that oil palms will be planted in Papua to produce fuel from oil palms," Prabowo said.
In addition to oil palm, Prabowo encouraged the cultivation of sugarcane and cassava to produce ethanol, aiming to implement the program within five years.
The initiative is part of Indonesia's broader strategy to achieve national food and energy self-sufficiency, reduce dependence on fuel imports, and save billions in subsidies.
Prabowo highlighted that Indonesia spends hundreds of trillions of rupiah annually on fuel imports. By leveraging oil palm and cassava cultivation alongside renewable energy sources such as solar and hydropower, he estimated potential annual savings of around Rp520 trillion.
"If savings can reach Rp500 trillion, each regency could receive an allocation of Rp1 trillion from these efficiencies," Prabowo said.
"This is achievable. The potential exists, the plans are in place, and progress will become evident as we move forward. It may not happen overnight, but we are already on the right path."
During the meeting, Prabowo instructed Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia to halt diesel imports starting next year and aims to stop gasoline imports within the next four years, signaling a strong push toward domestic fuel production and energy independence.