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

President Prabowo Subianto has taken a swipe at parties he considers persistently pessimistic about Indonesia’s condition and always oriented towards foreign powers. The barb was delivered whilst outlining various government achievements in the energy and downstreaming sectors at the TNI Grand Harvest event to support the Food Security Programme at Abdulrachman Saleh Air Force Base, Malang Regency, East Java, on Friday, 17 July 2026. In front of farmers, TNI soldiers, and government officials, Prabowo asserted that Indonesia is entering a new chapter of energy independence. One key milestone is the cessation of diesel imports following the implementation of the palm oil-based B50 biodiesel. “Previously, we succeeded in becoming the first country in the world to produce B50. We now produce diesel from palm oil. So, starting from this month of July, we no longer import diesel from abroad, brothers and sisters! It is better that the money circulates in Indonesia, enjoyed by oil palm farmers throughout Indonesia,” said Prabowo. The President also revealed that the government is accelerating the development of ethanol-based fuel. After initiating the E10 programme, the government is targeting an increase to E20 by building dozens of new ethanol plants. “Earlier I decided we will build at least 30 ethanol plants. If necessary, up to 50 plants. India is already at E20. India is already at E20. Brazil is already at E100. Can’t Indonesia do it? Indonesia can! Yes, we can! Yes, we can! Yes, we can!” he exclaimed. Amidst this optimism, Prabowo launched a sharp critique at those he believes continue to underestimate the nation’s capabilities and prefer to follow foreign narratives. “Those who don’t want to, it’s fine. Just sit down. Just sit and watch. But don’t keep parroting foreign powers, saying Indonesia is bad, Indonesia is what? Indonesia is dark. If you wear dark glasses, of course it’s always dark!” he stressed. The President also mocked pessimistic narratives that have frequently predicted Indonesia would face a crisis. According to him, the government will not be influenced by such views and will remain focused on pursuing development targets. “Every month Indonesia is going to collapse. June collapse. Now it’s July. July collapse, August collapse, just keep thinking about collapse, right? Let them be. In the military there is a saying: leave them behind and mark them, right? We keep moving forward,” he concluded.