President Prabowo Affirms Food and Energy Independence as National Priorities

President Prabowo Subianto delivers his remarks at the PT Pertamina (Persero) Refinery Unit V Headquarters in East Kalimantan province. (Photo by: BPMI Presidential Secretariat)

Food and energy independence constitute the primary foundations for building an independent nation, President Prabowo Subianto has said.

In his remarks at the inauguration of the integrated energy infrastructure under the Pertamina Refinery Development Master Plan (RDMP) in Balikpapan city, the President stated that modern civilization cannot stand firmly if a nation remains dependent on other countries for the supply of basic necessities.

“We understand that modern civilization relies on essential elements for the establishment of an independent nation. First and foremost, an independent nation must be capable of producing its own food. This is fundamental,” President Prabowo said at the PT Pertamina (Persero) Refinery Unit V Headquarters in East Kalimantan province, Monday (01/12).

The President underscored that energy represents an equally important pillar, adding that Indonesia is endowed with abundant energy resources which, if managed optimally, can ensure national energy independence.

“Besides food, we must also be able to produce our own energy. Alhamdulillah, the Indonesian people have been blessed with extraordinary gifts from the Almighty. We possess vast energy resources,” he explained.

The President also mentioned that coal can be processed into gas, gasoline, and various other energy products, including dimethyl ether (DME).

He also stated that Indonesia has the largest geothermal potential in the world, which has yet to be fully utilized.

“We also have the largest geothermal energy reserves in the world, which we have not yet fully harnessed. In addition, we have significant hydropower potential, and in the future, we will also develop solar power using our own panels for electrification. In this way, we can truly generate our own energy,” the President said.

On that occasion, the President highlighted that the Government will continue to develop new and renewable energy sources as part of efforts to ensure that Indonesia is fully capable of producing its own energy without relying on imports.

“We do not need to import energy from abroad. That is our target. We hope to achieve this within five years. However, if it is not achieved within five years, or even six or seven years, what matters most is that we remain on track toward that goal. And who knows, with hard work, we may achieve it sooner,” the President remarked. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (RIF/AW)