Indonesia to Ban Palm Oil Waste Exports to Boost Energy Independence

Bogor: President Prabowo Subianto has announced that Indonesia will ban the export of palm oil waste, including used cooking oil, to ensure the resource is prioritized for national interests—particularly to support energy self-sufficiency.

Speaking at the 2026 National Coordination Meeting of Central and Regional Governments in Sentul, Bogor, West Java, on Monday, Prabowo stressed that Indonesia’s vast palm oil potential must be fully harnessed for domestic needs.

“Palm oil waste, including used cooking oil, can be processed into aviation fuel. Therefore, I am closing it off to other countries. I am banning the export of palm oil waste and used cooking oil. It must first serve the Indonesian people,” he said as quoted from Antara, Monday 2 February 2026.

Prabowo described palm oil as a strategic commodity with a wide range of downstream products, from cooking oil and food items to soap, biodiesel, and aviation fuel.

He referred to palm oil as a “miracle crop” due to its versatility and high global demand, noting that many world leaders have expressed interest in Indonesia’s crude palm oil (CPO).

However, he emphasized that national interests must take priority, with raw materials—particularly palm oil waste—channeled toward domestic biodiesel and sustainable aviation fuel production.

Prabowo said expanding palm oil-based energy development would significantly reduce Indonesia’s dependence on imported fuel.

His vision, he added, is not only to achieve self-sufficiency in biodiesel but also to position Indonesia as one of the world’s leading producers of aviation fuel.

“Palm oil enables us to produce diesel. Biodiesel will free us from foreign dependence. Those who want gasoline can pay world prices. Our people can live with diesel,” he said.