Prabowo Stresses Food and Energy Independence at Boarding School Centenary Event

RRI.CO.ID, Ponorogo – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has stressed the importance of building national self-reliance amid global developments marked by conflicts and wars. He said food and energy self-sufficiency are essential foundations for Indonesia to stand on its own and avoid dependence on other countries.

"In today’s world, a world full of conflicts, even with wars taking place everywhere, this proves what I have been saying for a long time: we must achieve food self-sufficiency; we must achieve energy self-sufficiency. We cannot depend on other nations," he said in a speech at a reception commemorating the 100th anniversary of Modern Islamic Boarding School Darussalam Gontor in Ponorogo Regency, East Java, on Saturday, September 19, 2026.

President Prabowo said Indonesia currently has sufficient food reserves. He added that the government had also prepared various measures to anticipate potential disruptions to food production caused by adverse weather conditions, including El Niño and drought.

“Alhamdulillah (praise be to Allah), we have achieved food self-sufficiency, and our food reserves are sufficient. We have taken steps to anticipate unfavorable weather conditions, El Niño, and drought. We are ready," he said.

In addition to food, the president highlighted progress toward achieving national energy self-reliance. Prabowo said that, since July 1, Indonesia has no longer needed to import diesel fuel from abroad and has now met its diesel fuel needs through domestic production.

According to the President, one of Indonesia’s key strengths in building energy self-reliance lies in its natural resources, including palm oil. He said it can be processed into various derivative products and also serve as an energy source to meet the country’s fuel needs.

"Where does it come from? From palm oil. From plants, the Almighty has blessed us. As I have said, palm oil may be a miracle plant. The miracle plant, the miracle crop," he said.

Prabowo also delivered a special message to Gontor students. He encouraged the younger generation to remain optimistic about Indonesia’s future while preparing themselves to take on the mantle of leadership and continue the nation’s struggle.

"Believe me, Indonesia’s future is good. Indonesia’s future is bright. And you, the students, all of you, will be the ones to take over. You will be the ones to continue our struggle," he stressed.

Prabowo also urged the students to be critical when receiving information, particularly content circulating on social media. He said the younger generation must maintain their spirit, courage, and confidence as a nation and avoid being easily influenced by information that could undermine their optimism about Indonesia’s future.

"Be careful. Don’t believe everything you see on social media. They (some people) want to dampen our spirit. They want to undermine our courage. They want to weaken our confidence," he said.

Prabowo reaffirmed Indonesia’s determination to become a strong and self-reliant nation. "We do not want to become slaves to other nations. We will become a great nation. We will stand on our own two feet," the President said.