Indonesia to Halt Fuel Imports, Develops Palm Oil-Based Gasoline

President Prabowo Subianto announced that Indonesia will cease importing solar fuel (diesel) starting July 1, 2026, establishing domestic self-sufficiency. Prabowo made the statement during the 100th Anniversary Thanksgiving Reception of Pondok Modern Darussalam Gontor in Ponorogo, East Java, on Saturday, September 19, 2026. "We also started on July 1, we did not import solar from abroad. Our solar is now self-sufficient," Prabowo stated. This claim of halting solar fuel imports was also made by Prabowo in a state of the nation address in August 2026, where he linked it to the use of palm oil-based biodiesel B50. Prabowo highlighted the importance of this move amidst a tight global solar fuel supply, saying, "These days, solar is rare in the world. Even if we have money, there may be nothing." He identified palm oil as an energy source that could strengthen Indonesia's independence. Furthermore, Prabowo revealed that Indonesian researchers have successfully developed solar fuel and gasoline from palm oil. "Our smart professors, who are really smart, from our engineering faculties have managed to make solar from palm oil. And can make gasoline from palm oil," he said. The government also plans to develop gasoline from coal. This initiative is seen as part of Indonesia's efforts to enhance its energy security and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. The transition to biofuels, particularly leveraging the country's abundant palm oil resources, could also foster domestic industry growth and export competitiveness.