Prabowo Insists Coal and Palm Oil Entrepreneurs Must Prioritise National Interests

President Prabowo Subianto has reminded all coal, palm oil and natural resource entrepreneurs that they must prioritise meeting the nation’s domestic requirements before considering other interests.

According to Prabowo, all natural resources belong to the state, not to private entrepreneurs.

He made these remarks whilst chairing a Cabinet meeting at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Friday, 13 March 2026.

“I wish to emphasise here that it is correct that all coal production must be prioritised for our national needs, and this also applies to all sectors including palm oil,” said Prabowo.

The Head of State added that entrepreneurs may only proceed with exports once all domestic requirements have been fully met.

“So we must fulfil our nation’s requirements first before permitting exports,” Prabowo stated.

“It is therefore correct that there was a warning from the Energy and Mineral Resources Minister – all of this belongs to the Indonesian people, not to entrepreneurs. They may conduct business, but ownership is ownership by the Indonesian nation. All natural resources that exist are the property of the nation,” he continued.

Elsewhere, Prabowo acknowledged that many countries are currently experiencing crises due to global uncertainty. However, he assessed that Indonesia’s economy remains operational and the public should remain assured.

“The world is full of uncertainty, and we see that many nations are facing crises. We must address this crisis, but the economy must continue to function and the people must remain calm,” Prabowo said.

President Prabowo emphasised that Indonesia still possesses the strength to drive the wheels of its economy. He urged all cabinet ministers to work diligently for the people.

“We still have the strength and capability to ensure that the wheels of life do not cease. The situation, broadly speaking, remains manageable,” he concluded.