September 20, 2026 | 11:50 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto stressed that food and energy self-reliance are essential foundations for Indonesia to stand on its own strength and avoid dependence on other countries.
The President made the statement in his remarks at an event marking the 100th anniversary of the Darussalam Gontor Modern Islamic Boarding School in Ponorogo, East Java, on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
"In today's world, a world full of conflict, even wars everywhere, this proves what I have long said, that we must achieve food self-sufficiency, we must achieve energy self-sufficiency. We must not depend on other nations," he stated.
Prabowo said Indonesia currently has sufficient food reserves.
According to him, the government has also prepared various measures to anticipate possible production disruptions caused by weather conditions, including El Nino and drought.
"Alhamdulillah (praise to God), we have achieved food self-sufficiency, our food reserves are sufficient. We have already taken steps to anticipate bad weather, El Nino, and drought. We are ready," he said.
In addition to food, the President highlighted progress in achieving national energy self-reliance, noting that Indonesia has not imported diesel fuel since July 1 and can now meet its diesel fuel needs through domestic production.
According to him, one of Indonesia's strengths in building energy self-reliance lies in its abundant resources, including palm oil.
The commodity is not only processed into various derivative products, but also serves as an energy source to support the country's fuel needs.
"Where from? From palm oil. From this plant, the God Almighty has given us a blessing. What I am saying is that palm oil may be the miracle plant, the miracle crop," the President said.
On that occasion, Prabowo also delivered a special message to Gontor's male (santri) and female (santriwati) students.
The President encouraged young people to remain optimistic about Indonesia's future while preparing themselves to take over leadership and continue the nation's struggle.
"Believe that Indonesia's future is good, Indonesia's future is bright. And you, santri, santriwati, all my young people, you are the ones who will take over. You are the ones who will continue our struggle," he said.
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