Jakarta: Indonesia’s Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin visited Boven Digoel District in South Papua to review the progress of a palm oil-based biodiesel project, aimed at boosting the country’s energy self-reliance, reports Antara, Indonesian News Agency.
In a statement issued from Jakarta, Minister Sjamsoeddin said the visit reflects the government’s firm commitment to gradually achieving energy independence, while also strengthening national security and economic stability.
He explained that the biodiesel project is part of a broader plan to reduce Indonesia’s dependence on imported fuels, particularly diesel. The move aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s vision to ensure long-term energy security for the nation.
“This is a clear step toward making sure we’re not overly dependent on energy from outside the country,” Sjamsoeddin said.
The Defence Minister added that inspecting the area by air underlined the government’s attention to Papua’s development and the strategic importance of eastern Indonesia. He noted that the effort also shows the Ministry of Defence’s role in supporting stability and growth in the region.
Sjamsoeddin was accompanied by several other members of the Red and White Cabinet, including Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman, Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni, and Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo.
