President Prabowo Affirms Food Self-Sufficiency as Indonesia’s Strategic Strength

President Prabowo Subianto has affirmed that food self-sufficiency and the development of domestic energy sources were essential to strengthening national resilience amid global challenges. The President expressed gratitude for Indonesia’s stable food conditions, which remain under control.

“Amid the challenges facing the world today, we can still be grateful that our situation remains relatively good. Our food supply is under control, and one of our significant achievements is attaining food self-sufficiency,” the President stated while chairing the Plenary Cabinet Meeting marking the second anniversary of his administration’s Kerja Nyata untuk Negeri (Real Actions for the Nation) at the central courtyard of the Jakarta Presidential Palace Complex on Wednesday (10/21).

The Head of State conveyed that food self-sufficiency stood as one of the Government’s major milestones, given the strategic role of food, particularly during crises that may constrain a nation’s ability to meet its needs through imports.

“In a short period of time, Ladies and Gentlemen, food can make all the difference. Food can now become a weapon. In times of crisis, even if we have funds, we might not be able to purchase rice from other countries,” the Head of State remarked.

The President also noted Indonesia’s success in maintaining food self-sufficiency amidst challenging weather conditions, including a prolonged drought in 2025–2026. He said that the Government had prepared various contingency measures to address climate phenomena, including El Niño and La Niña, to ensure that national food security remains safeguarded.

“We are grateful to have achieved food self-sufficiency. During a very difficult period, with a prolonged drought in 2025-2026, we were able to maintain it. We have faced El Niño, and we will face La Niña when it comes. But we already have contingency plans in place,” the President said.

In addition to food, the President highlighted the importance of strengthening energy independence amid rising global oil prices. Indonesia, he said, has a wide range of energy resources that can be developed, from coal and geothermal power to biofuels as alternatives to reduce dependence on fuel imports.

“Global oil prices are rising and will continue to rise. We are fortunate to possess abundant alternative energy resources. Our coal reserves remain substantial, and our geothermal potential is vast. Most importantly, we can produce diesel fuel from crops. Biodiesel will be immensely helpful to us,” the President explained.

The President stated that the Government continues to drive the development of biodiesel and ethanol as part of efforts to strengthen national energy security. Indonesia has achieved B50 and will continue the phased development of ethanol blends, with the goal of reaching E50 in the coming years.

“We have reached B50, and we will now strive for E50 ethanol. This year, we may only reach E10. We hope to attain E20 in two years, followed by E50 two years after that. Once we achieve E50 and B50, Insya Allah, we will no longer need to import fuel from abroad,” the President stated.

On the occasion, the Head of State also expressed appreciation to cabinet members for their hard work in carrying out their duties. He reminded the assembly that the administration’s term spans five years and that all cabinet members hold distinct roles within the stages of the Government’s work.

“The main point, Ladies and Gentlemen, is that I would like to thank all of you for your hard work. As I stated from the beginning of this administration, not every player will be fielded at the start,” he noted.

Concluding his opening remarks, the President emphasized that the Government still faced major challenges and must continuously work to meet the people’s expectations. He also called on Indonesia to remain courageous, willing to make sacrifices, and steadfast in facing various pressures, while remaining prepared to implement substantial spending cuts if necessary.

“We are not afraid. We have strength, we have courage, we are willing to make sacrifices, and we never give up. If necessary, we will implement massive savings and tighten our belts even further,” the President said.

These directives reaffirmed the Government’s trajectory as it enters its third year: Indonesia must be capable of feeding its people from its own land, meeting its energy needs using its own natural resources, and safeguarding its sovereignty through its own strength.

Amid growing global uncertainty, food self-sufficiency and energy independence are not merely development targets, but an integral part of the broader effort to build a strong, independent, and prosperous Indonesia. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (YA/MMB)