InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA — President Prabowo Subianto has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting energy and food self-sufficiency in Papua through renewable energy utilization and bioenergy development.

The statement was delivered during a briefing on Papua development acceleration at the State Palace, Jakarta, on Tuesday (December 16, 2025).

President Prabowo highlighted the declining cost of solar technology, making it suitable for remote areas, as well as the growing potential of small-scale hydropower.

“Solar technology is now much more affordable. It is a solution for remote regions. Mini-hydro power can also be applied in hard-to-reach areas,” he said.

He emphasized that utilizing local energy resources would reduce dependence on fuel shipments from other regions, which have long burdened regional budgets. In addition to renewables, Prabowo encouraged agricultural-based energy development, citing palm oil as a strategic commodity for producing biodiesel and ethanol, alongside cassava.

“We hope palm oil can also be planted in Papua to produce biofuels and ethanol. Cassava can also generate ethanol,” he said.

Prabowo targets nationwide food and energy self-sufficiency within the next five years, projecting potential savings of hundreds of trillions of rupiah from reduced fuel imports.

“This year alone, fuel imports cost around Rp520 trillion. If we cut that in half, imagine how much we could save annually,” he said.

He stressed that the plan is backed by concrete measures, underscoring the government’s determination to gradually but decisively achieve national energy and food independence. (T2)