Eka Yudha Saputra, Jakarta – Indonesian president Prabowo Subianto has explained why he is advocating for the cultivation of palm oil in Papua, linking it to the government's goal of ending Indonesia's dependency on imported gasoline.
According to Prabowo, achieving fuel self-sufficiency is realistic given Indonesia's potential for renewable energy sources (EBT) across various regions, including Papua. Policies are being prepared to ensure that energy-producing areas directly benefit from the energy they generate.
"In remote and challenging regions, we should use solar or hydro energy. Solar technology is becoming more affordable and can reach isolated areas, and mini-hydro plants can also be installed in remote locations," Prabowo said at the State Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, as reported by Antara.
Beyond solar and hydro, the president is promoting bioenergy development using palm oil, sugarcane, and cassava as feedstocks for biodiesel and bioethanol. He said these initiatives could reduce the country's fuel imports while strengthening regional energy independence.
"All of this is aimed at achieving independence for each region. If solar and hydro energy are available locally, there is no need to transport expensive fuel to remote areas," Prabowo said. "In Papua, oil palm can produce biofuel, and sugarcane can be used to make ethanol."
Prabowo also stressed the broader economic impact. Indonesia currently spends around Rp520 trillion annually on fuel imports. Halving this dependence could save the country approximately Rp250 trillion each year.
"This year, we spend hundreds of trillions of rupiah on fuel imports. By planting oil palm, cassava, and sugarcane, and using solar and hydro energy, imagine the savings each year," Prabowo said.
The government has already begun steps to stop importing diesel by 2026 and aims to eliminate gasoline imports as well. Prabowo expressed confidence that the country's renewable energy potential, particularly in Papua, makes this target achievable.
Prabowo's remarks on palm oil come amid concerns linking plantations to floods in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra at the end of November. He previously highlighted the potential of palm oil as a strategic solution during the 61st Anniversary of the Golkar Party in Jakarta on December 5, 2025.
At that event, he warned that crises in the Strait of Hormuz and Yemen could disrupt fuel supplies, underscoring the need for Indonesia to achieve energy and fuel self-sufficiency.
"We are blessed by the Almighty. We have palm oil, and it can be converted into fuel, including diesel and gasoline. We already have the technology," Prabowo said.
He further cautioned that Indonesia could face an energy crisis if the necessary technology and processing facilities are not prepared.
"Even with the recent disaster in Sumatra alone, transporting fuel to affected areas is extremely difficult. Bridges are damaged, and we have to deliver fuel by plane or by ship," he added.
Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2074110/why-prabowo-is-advocating-palm-oil-plantation-expansion-in-papu