Heaptalk, Jakarta — President Prabowo called on regional leaders and law enforcement agencies to protect and maintain the country’s palm oil plantations, emphasizing their critical role as national assets, during the National Development Planning Conference for the 2025-2029 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) at the Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas on (31/12).
“Many countries are concerned about securing palm oil supplies and its derivatives from Indonesia. They rely heavily on our palm oil,” Prabowo stated.
Prabowo firmly denied the European Union’s allegations that Indonesia has deforested in connection with palm oil production.
“The EU accuses us of deforestation. But the reality is we manage our forests responsibly. Interestingly, they still need our palm oil. It’s perplexing. I said, ‘Thank you, we won’t sell to you. Thank you,’” he remarked.
Prabowo also underscored the critical importance of achieving self-sufficiency in food and energy as pillars of national sovereignty, aligning these objectives with Indonesia’s development agenda for 2025-2029.
“Our efforts toward food and energy self-sufficiency form the foundation of sovereignty. Without sufficient food, the state cannot ensure the survival of its people,” he said.
He emphasized that food security is fundamental to protecting the nation, a principle deeply rooted in Indonesia’s constitutional mandate outlined in the Preamble of the 1945 Constitution (UUD 1945).
“How can we protect our people if we can’t guarantee food? There is no nation, no civilization without food security. I remind you of this,” Prabowo concluded.
This mandate reflects Prabowo’s broader vision for Indonesia’s future, emphasizing the strategic importance of sustainable resource management and the need to fortify Indonesia’s resilience against external pressures while fostering national self-reliance.
