Prabowo Optimistic About Building Ethanol Plants: Those Who Don't Want To, Just Sit and Watch!

Jakarta, VIVA – President Prabowo Subianto took a swipe at parties he views as persistently pessimistic about Indonesia’s condition and who always look to foreign powers.

He made the remarks while presenting various government achievements in the energy and downstream processing sectors at the TNI Grand Harvest event supporting the Food Security Programme at Abdulrachman Saleh Airbase, Malang Regency, East Java, on Friday 17 July 2026.

Addressing farmers, TNI soldiers and government officials, Prabowo affirmed that Indonesia is entering a new chapter of energy self-sufficiency. One milestone is the cessation of diesel imports following the implementation of palm oil-based B50 biodiesel.

“Previously, we succeeded in becoming the first country in the world to produce B50. We are now producing diesel from palm oil. So from this July onwards, we will no longer import diesel from abroad, my brothers! It is better for that money to circulate in Indonesia, to be enjoyed by palm oil farmers across the country,” Prabowo said.

The President also revealed that the government is now accelerating the development of ethanol-based fuel. After launching the E10 programme, the government is targeting an increase to E20 by building dozens of new ethanol plants.

“Earlier I decided that we will build a minimum of 30 ethanol plants. If necessary, up to 50 plants. India is already at E20. India is already at E20. Brazil is already at E100. How could Indonesia not be able to do it? Indonesia can, right?! Yes! Yes! Yes!” he said.

Amid this optimism, Prabowo launched a harsh criticism at parties who, in his view, continually underestimate the nation’s own capabilities and prefer to follow foreign narratives.

“Those who don’t want to take part, that’s fine. Just sit down. Sit down and watch. But don’t keep fawning over foreign powers — Indonesia is bad, Indonesia is what? Indonesia is dark. If you wear dark glasses, everything stays dark!” he asserted.

Prabowo also mocked the pessimistic narratives that have frequently predicted Indonesia would suffer a crisis. According to him, the government will not be swayed by such views and will remain focused on pursuing its development targets.

“Every month Indonesia is going to collapse. June, collapse. It’s already July. July collapse, August collapse — all they think about is collapse, right? Just let them be. In the military there’s a saying: leave a marker and move on, right? We keep moving forward,” he concluded.