Prabowo Optimistic Indonesia Will Achieve Fuel Self-Sufficiency Through Biofuels

President Prabowo Subianto expressed confidence on Monday, March 9, 2026, that Indonesia will eventually eliminate its reliance on imported fuel oil (BBM) and achieve energy self-sufficiency. His vision centers on utilizing domestically produced resources – palm oil, cassava, corn, and sugarcane – to create biofuels.

Inauguration of Bridges and Energy Independence

Prabowo conveyed this optimism during the inauguration of 218 bridges across various regions of Indonesia, conducted via video conference from his private residence in Hambalang, Bogor, West Java. He emphasized that Indonesia possesses abundant resources to meet its fuel needs without relying on foreign imports.

Years of Advocacy for Energy Self-Sufficiency

“The fuel problem is something I have been fighting for many years – energy self-sufficiency,” Prabowo stated. “And we have a great gift from the Almighty that we will be able to meet our fuel needs not from foreign imports, even from our crops, from oil palm, from cassava, from corn, from sugar cane.”

Indonesia’s Economic Resilience Amidst Global Challenges

Prabowo highlighted his ongoing review of Indonesia’s wealth data, consistently uncovering new economic strengths. He believes this resilience will enable Indonesia to navigate challenges posed by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

“We will experience difficulties, I will not sugarcoat that. But we have strength, I think we will come out stronger. We will come out of this crisis stronger and more prosperous, more productive, more able to stand on our own feet. We are exceptionally grateful for the gifts that the Almighty has given us,” Prabowo added.

Progress Towards Food Self-Sufficiency

Beyond energy, Prabowo showcased Indonesia’s advancements in food self-sufficiency, a critical achievement given the current global instability. He specifically noted the country’s success in achieving rice self-sufficiency, a staple food for the Indonesian population.

“What I have been fighting for for years is food self-sufficiency. In a situation of war everywhere, in a situation where fuel prices are soaring which can affect food prices, we are grateful that we are self-sufficient and we have almost achieved food self-sufficiency. We have reached rice self-sufficiency where rice is our staple food,” he explained.

Recent Cabinet Meetings in Hambalang

The President’s remarks followed a series of cabinet meetings held at his Hambalang residence on Sunday, March 8, 2026. According to Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, these meetings addressed strategic issues both domestically and internationally, including the situation in the Middle East and scholarships for Palestinian students. Discussions also included the development of ten new STEM-focused universities and the progress of existing universities aiming for higher global rankings.