Prabowo demands coal and CPO not exported until domestic needs met

President Prabowo Subianto has directed coal and crude palm oil (CPO) producers and their derivative manufacturers to restrict exports of these commodities until domestic demand is fully satisfied.

“I wish to emphasise that all coal production must be prioritised for our national interests. This also applies to everything, including palm oil,” President Prabowo said whilst briefing ministers during a Full Cabinet Session at the State Palace in Jakarta on Friday.

President Prabowo stressed that Indonesia’s natural wealth must be utilised to the fullest for the welfare of the people. Consequently, the government places national interest as the primary priority in every policy governing the management of natural resources.

“The Energy and Mineral Resources Minister’s warning is correct—this wealth belongs to the Indonesian nation, not to business owners. They may do business, but ownership remains with the Indonesian nation. All natural resources belong to the nation,” President Prabowo said.

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil explained that the government continues to ensure coal availability for domestic needs through export control policies and the application of the Domestic Market Obligation (DMO).

Bahlil added that the government is also preparing regulations to ensure all national coal production is allocated first to meet domestic demand. “We have already prepared a ministerial decree stipulating that all coal products we produce must meet our nation’s needs. Only the remainder will be exported,” he said.

This policy forms part of the government’s measures to strengthen national energy security.