InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA - The President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, emphasized the importance of palm oil as a national strategic commodity in his speech at the National Development Planning Conference (Musrenbangnas) for the 2025-2029 National Medium-Term Development Plan held in Jakarta on Monday.
Prabowo expressed gratitude for Indonesia's strong position amid global tensions and the world food crisis. "We step forward into tomorrow with confidence. We thank God, thank God, and thank God," he stated, as quoted by InfoSAWIT on Monday (30/12/2024).
The President mentioned how palm oil has become an essential need for many countries, especially amid rising demand for vegetable oil. "Many countries are worried about not receiving palm oil supplies. It turns out that palm oil has become a strategic commodity," he said.
Prabowo urged all parties, from regents and governors to the military and police, to protect palm oil plantations, which he referred to as "national assets." He also encouraged additional palm oil planting as a means to strengthen this sector.
In response to accusations that palm oil causes deforestation, President Prabowo strongly rejected this view. He described palm oil as a plant with ecological roles, including its ability to absorb carbon. "After all, palm oil has leaves, right? It can absorb carbon," he asserted.
Prabowo also addressed the European Union's perceived unfair stance towards Indonesian palm oil. He stated that if the EU refuses to buy palm oil, Indonesia will still endure, while industries in Europe will struggle. "Later, all chocolate industries will be in trouble. Chocolate needs ingredients from palm oil. Palm oil can also be used for detergents and cosmetic raw materials," he added.
In conclusion, the President expressed optimism that palm oil will continue to be one of the backbones of Indonesia's economy. He urged all elements of the nation to safeguard this commodity as a strategic asset capable of leading Indonesia towards economic independence. (T2)