Prabowo Optimistic Indonesia Will Not Need Fuel Oil Imports, Can Utilise Palm and Sugarcane

JAKARTA — President Prabowo Subianto has expressed confidence that Indonesia will one day no longer require fuel oil imports from abroad to meet domestic demand.

Prabowo is convinced that Indonesia will be capable of producing fuel oil independently by utilising palm oil, cassava, maize, and sugarcane available within the country.

He made these remarks whilst inaugurating 218 bridges across various regions of Indonesia in a hybrid ceremony conducted via video conference from his residence in Hambalang, Bogor, West Java, on Monday, 9 March 2026.

Prabowo claimed to have examined and studied Indonesia’s wealth figures and data. He said that each day he discovers new sources of wealth in Indonesia. Accordingly, he is confident that Indonesia possesses substantial strength despite being affected by the conflict occurring in the Middle East.

Prabowo also showcased Indonesia’s achievement of food self-sufficiency, which he asserted will prove invaluable amid current wartime conditions.

“Something I have fought for over many years — food self-sufficiency. In a situation where there is conflict everywhere, where fuel oil prices are soaring extremely high and could affect food prices, we are grateful that we have achieved near food self-sufficiency. We have already achieved rice self-sufficiency, where rice is our staple food,” Prabowo added.