Didi Agung Eko Purnomo – Amid public scrutiny of the flash floods and landslides that have hit Sumatra, President Prabowo Subianto has once again emphasised the importance of palm oil for national energy security.
Prabowo made the statement while delivering a speech at the climax of the Golkar Party's 61st anniversary celebrations at the Senayan Sports Arena in Central Jakarta on Friday evening, December 5.
The President asserted that palm oil is the key to Indonesia achieving energy self-sufficiency amidst global uncertainty.
Anticipating global war: Palm oil as solution to fuel crisis
Prabowo began his speech by highlighting the escalating global geopolitical situation, particularly the war in Europe and the crises in the Strait of Hormuz and Yemen.
According to Prabowo, these conflicts have the potential to stop fuel imports to Indonesia. Therefore, he believes Indonesia must become self-sufficient by converting palm oil into fuel.
"But we have been blessed by the Almighty, we have palm oil. Palm oil can be turned into fuel, can be turned into diesel, can be tuned into gasoline as well. We have the technology", he asserted.
He admitted to frequently debating with economic experts regarding the production costs of making B50 or B60 biofuel blends from palm oil. However, for him, energy availability is far more valuable than mere economic considerations during a crisis.
Difficulty sending fuel to disaster areas in Sumatra
Interestingly, Prabowo used the example of the current disaster in Sumatra as an illustration of the fragility of fossil fuel distribution.
"Now also with the disaster in Sumatra, how difficult is it for us to deliver fuel to disaster areas. Bridges are down, we have to transport it by plane, some by ship", he said.
This statement is seen as ironic in the eyes of some members of the public.
This is because many parties, including environmental activists, have blamed the conversion of forest into palm oil plantations as being one of the causes of the severe flooding currently affecting Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra.
Prabowo's narrative on palm oil is reminiscent of his controversial speech last year.
During the National Development Planning Forum (Musrenbangnas) for the 2025-2029 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) on December 30, 2024, Prabowo called for the expansion of palm oil plantations without being afraid of environmental issues.
"Don't be afraid of the dangers of deforestation", Prabowo said at the time. He argued that palm oil is also a tree that also absorbs carbon dioxide.
Prabowo also asserted that he's not concerned about the threat of palm oil import restrictions from European countries. "Their entire chocolate industry would be in chaos, detergents, cosmetics. They'll be distraught", he asserted. (did)
- Prabowo wants more palm oil, says don't be afraid of deforestation. Kompas – December 30, 2025
[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was "Sumatra Dihantam Banjir, Prabowo Justru Singgung Pentingnya Sawit Jadi BBM di HUT Golkar: 'Ini Karunia Tuhan'".]
