Jakarta — President-elect Prabowo Subianto (2024-2029) emphasized that the key to Indonesia’s prosperity lies in the ability to manage and enjoy its own resources.

Prabowo made this statement during his speech at the Closing of the 6th Congress of the National Mandate Party (PAN) 2024, held at Hotel Kempinski Jakarta on Saturday night, August 24.

Prabowo expressed his confidence that within the next five years, Indonesia will not only achieve food self-sufficiency but will also become a global food exporter.

“I am confident that in five years, we will not only achieve food self-sufficiency but will also export food to the world. We will become the world’s food basket,” he stated.

Regarding energy resources, Prabowo mentioned that Indonesia will soon be able to manage its energy needs through palm oil. The country aims to accelerate the production of B50 biodiesel, a blend containing 50% biodiesel derived from palm oil, by the end of 2024 or early 2025.

“Soon, we won’t need to import energy. Our energy will come from palm oil in the form of biodiesel. We will accelerate B50, with at least 50% biodiesel from palm oil. Once we reach 50%, God willing, by the end of this year or early next year,” Prabowo explained.

By achieving this, Prabowo highlighted that Indonesia will be able to save approximately USD 20 billion, money that will remain within the country.

“We will save USD 20 billion, money that no longer needs to be sent abroad. Over IDR 300 trillion will circulate within Indonesia,” Prabowo noted.

During the same event, Prabowo also recounted his recent meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and French business leaders. In these meetings, Prabowo conveyed that if European countries choose not to buy Indonesian palm oil, it would ultimately benefit Indonesia by allowing the nation to achieve self-sufficiency.

“So, we are now the largest palm oil producer in the world. That’s why when I was in France, during a one-on-one meeting with Macron, I said, ‘Your Excellency, we feel that if Europe doesn’t want to buy our palm oil, we are grateful, it’s a blessing in disguise,'” Prabowo shared.

Prabowo expressed his strong optimism that once Indonesia successfully manages its food and energy resources domestically, the nation will no longer have to fear any other country on the global stage.

“We will use our palm oil for the benefit of our people. We will achieve energy self-sufficiency. Food and energy—those are the keys. Once we secure them, we need not fear anyone in this world,” Prabowo asserted. (RR)