President Prabowo: Food, Energy Self-Sufficiency Demonstrates National Self-Reliance
The peak event of the 17th National Week (PENAS) for Farmers and Fishermen 2026 is held at the Limboto Sport Center, Gorontalo regency, Gorontalo province, on Wednesday (06/24) (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)
President Prabowo Subianto reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to realizing national self-reliance by strengthening the food and energy sectors. The Head of State conveyed this commitment at the peak event of the 17th National Week (PENAS) for Farmers and Fishermen 2026, held at the Limboto Sports Center in Gorontalo regency, Gorontalo province, on Wednesday (06/24).
Speaking before thousands of farmers and fishermen from across Indonesia, President Prabowo emphasized that the Government continues to work hard to implement various improvements aimed at overcoming challenges that have hindered national progress. He also reiterated the Government’s determination to safeguard national wealth so that it can be fully utilized for the people’s welfare.
“Our efforts do not [yield] immediate results, but they are starting to show [significant progress]. Our tangible [progress] right before our eyes is food self-sufficiency,” stated the President.
The President reminded everyone that the global crisis experience, including the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrated the importance of food independence. In times of crisis, food-producing countries tend to prioritize their domestic food security which constrains international supplies.
“Now, the [results] are beginning to show. Our visible and tangible [achievement] is food self-sufficiency,” asserted the President.
President Prabowo further stated that food is a basic need that cannot be delayed. Therefore, the Government continues to ensure national food availability while enhancing the welfare of farmers and fishermen who become the spearhead of Indonesia’s food security.
The Head of State also revealed that the achievements of the national food sector have begun to attract global attention. Indonesia currently enjoys a surplus in several strategic commodities, including fertilizer, enabling the country to help meet the needs of other nations. Furthermore, several countries have also begun requesting rice and corn supplies from Indonesia.
“Alhamdulillah, we have now started exporting [several commodities] and assisting other countries. I received a phone call from the Prime Minister of Australia, who expressed his gratitude that Indonesia has a surplus of fertilizer, and asked if we could sell it to them. I said, ‘Yes, sell it and ship it to them.’ Many countries are also asking for fertilizer from us. I also noted that other nations are requesting rice and corn from us. [Of course, we welcome them] as long as we can settle on the right prices,” stated the President.
In addition to food self-sufficiency, the President underscored the Government’s target to achieve energy independence. One of the strategic measures that will be taken shortly is the launch of B50 fuel this coming July, which utilizes a 50 percent blend of palm oil-based biodiesel.
“This July, in just a matter of days, we will launch [B50 diesel that is made up of] 50 percent palm oil. Consequently, we will no longer import diesel from abroad, and we will save a significant amount [of our state budget]. I estimate that in the next three or four years at the most, we will achieve energy self-sufficiency. We do not want to import anything for our fuel, for our energy,” added the President.
Closing his remarks, President Prabowo expressed his appreciation to all farmers, fishermen, workers, religious scholars, Islamic boarding school students (santri), the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) personnel, the Indonesian National Police (Polri) personnel, and civil servants who continuously support national development. He believes that the unity of all national elements serves as the crucial key to transforming Indonesia into an increasingly advanced, strong, and prosperous nation.
“Thank you and may Allah SWT, God Almighty, always protect our farmers and fishermen wherever they strive,” concluded President Prabowo. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (NST/TM)
