Prabowo Aims to Produce Petrol from Coal

President Prabowo Subianto plans to produce petrol derived from coal. This effort is intended to reduce dependency on fuel imports.

The production of coal-based petrol follows the implementation of the diesel programme featuring a 50% palm oil blend, known as B50. According to Prabowo, academics and professors from various engineering faculties across the country have successfully created fuel from local resources, specifically crude palm oil (CPO).

Prabowo stated that the development of new fuel sources, such as diesel mixed with palm oil, must continue to be advanced. The government is now targeting the development of petrol production from coal.

“Our professors, who are truly intelligent—not those other professors—from our engineering faculties have successfully produced diesel from palm oil and can even produce petrol from palm oil; we will also eventually produce petrol from coal,” said Prabowo during the 100th-anniversary celebration of Pondok Modern Darussalam Gontor in East Java on Saturday (19/09/2026).

Furthermore, Prabowo noted that the success of using diesel mixed with up to 50% palm oil (B50) has enabled Indonesia to cease diesel imports since 1 July. He intends to maintain this track record.

Prabowo believes that halting diesel imports helps Indonesia remain insulated from the energy crisis. This is particularly significant as current global conflicts have triggered diesel supply shortages in various countries.

“These days, diesel is scarce globally; even if we have the money, the goods might not be available. Thankfully, we can now produce our own diesel. From where? From palm oil,” said Prabability.