Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Inauguration of the Initial Production of the Forel and Terubuk Oil Fields in a Hybrid Format from the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Friday, May 16, 2025

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.

Assalamu’alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,
Good afternoon,
May prosperity be upon us all,
Shalom,
Salve,
Om Swastiastu,
Namo Buddhaya,
Greetings of virtue.

Distinguished Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Yuliot Tanjung, Acting Director General of Oil and Gas at Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Tri Winarno; and of course, those present on-site Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia, along with honorable team from Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources; Distinguished Head of the Special Task Force for Upstream Oil and Gas Business Activities (SKK Migas) Djoko Siswanto; Distinguished President Director of Medco Energi (a private energy company) Hilmi Panigoro, who looks exceptionally radiant today; and to all the dedicated workers at the Forel oil and gas site, whom I take great pride in.

First and foremost, as people of faith, let us express our deepest gratitude to Allah, God Almighty, for the blessings bestowed upon us, particularly for the good health that allows us to witness this proud and historic moment in our nation’s journey towards energy self-sufficiency: the inauguration of the Forel and Terubuk Projects.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

On behalf of the Government and the people of the Republic of Indonesia, I would like to say thank you for this wonderful achievement. We, the Government and all Indonesians, take great pride in the inauguration of these two projects, marking the first oil and gas production milestones under the new administration I lead. These projects represent significant and historic steps in our collective pursuit of national energy self-sufficiency.

Distinguished Guests,

Achieving national energy self-sufficiency is a crucial milestone for our nation’s independence. If we succeed in achieving energy self-sufficiency, we could save tens of billions of US dollars, hundreds of trillions of rupiah that would no longer need to flow abroad. This would strengthen our national economy, allowing more resources to benefit the people directly. Energy self-sufficiency is not just important, it is essential. Just like food security, when a country is self-sufficient in both energy and food, it becomes resilient. It cannot easily be undermined by other nations, and it will endure under any circumstances.

Therefore, once again, on behalf of the Government of Indonesia, the Indonesian people, and myself, I convey sincere appreciation and gratitude to the entire team, including Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, SKK Migas, Medco Energi, and all relevant stakeholders, for their hard work and collaboration that have led to the successful realization of this project today.

I also take note of the statement delivered by Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources that this project demonstrates the capability of Indonesia’s human resources in mastering oil and gas industry technology, with a domestic component level reaching nearly 100 percent. I thank you all for your dedication and hard work.

In today’s era, technological mastery, particularly in the economic sector, defines a nation’s future. You are the unsung heroes of the energy sector, advancing our national capacity and upholding the dignity and sovereignty of Indonesia. I thank you all for your dedication and outstanding contributions.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This inauguration stands as proof that Indonesia has a promising and bright future. Yet, it is precisely because of our wealth and potential that we must remain vigilant. There are still forces that do not wish to see Indonesia grow strong. Forces that, for centuries, have hoped to see our nation weakened or divided. But day by day, as you have shown today, we continue to prove our resilience. We keep moving forward, building our strength, and securing a future for the generations to come.

Esteemed Guests,

Once again, I extend my deepest appreciation for your dedication and sacrifice. May the Great God Almighty Allah, always protect those of you who serve in remote areas, in challenging environments, and out at sea. Stay strong and remain in good spirits. Remember, you are carrying out a vital duty for the Republic of Indonesia. Thank you.

Wassalamu’alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,
Shalom,
Salve,
Om santi santi santi om,
Namo Buddhaya,
Greetings of virtue,
Rahayu rahayu.

Independence!

By saying Bismillahirrahmanirrahim, at noon today, Friday, May 16, 2025, I, Prabowo Subianto, President of the Republic of Indonesia, hereby inaugurate the Initial Production of the Forel and Terubuk Oil Fields. Thank you. Wishing you strength.

Once again, Independence!

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am proud of all of you, every worker and every officer. On behalf of the nation and the state, I, the President of the Republic of Indonesia, salute your dedication and hard work.

Thank you.

(RIF/TM)