Prabowo on Coal and Palm Oil: Fulfil National Needs First, Then Permit Exports

Jakarta — President Prabowo Subianto has emphasised that coal and palm oil producers must fulfil domestic demand first before exporting abroad.

This directive was issued by Prabowo following a briefing from Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia during a full cabinet session at the State Palace, Jakarta Presidential Complex, on Friday, 13 March 2026.

“I want to emphasise here that it is correct that all coal production must be prioritised for our national needs. This applies equally to palm oil and all other resources. We must fulfil our nation’s needs first, then permit exports,” said Prabowo on Friday.

Prabowo stated that the Energy and Mineral Resources Minister’s warning was appropriate.

“The Minister’s warning is correct. All of this belongs to the Indonesian nation, not to businesspeople,” Prabowo said.

Prabowo clarified that this requirement does not unfairly burden entrepreneurs.

“They are allowed to do business, but ownership of all natural resources belongs to the Indonesian nation. I want to emphasise that,” Prabowo said.