Indonesia: Prabowo announces planned expansion of oil palm plantations amidst growing demand

President Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia has unveiled plans to expand the country's oil palm plantations to meet rising export demands. The president has directed governors to increase the plantation area and also ordered law enforcement agencies to boost security at existing plantations. He defended palm oil against environmental claims, stating it absorbs CO2. The Ministry of Agriculture reported a 56.6% increase in the plantation area since 2014, with Riau province having the largest plantation.

President Prabowo Subianto has revealed plan to expand oil palm plantations in Indonesia in an effort to meet demands of palm oil export that continuously increase annually. The president cited that many countries needed palm oil for many commodities, such as for chocolate and even cosmetics production. Palm oil is also a strategic commodity in a number of countries. “(When) I travel abroad, I feel that many countries are hopeful toward Indonesia, especially those who need our palm oil,” President Prabowo said on Monday, December 30, 2024. He gave special instructions to governors across the archipelago to expand oil palm plantations in their respective regions. “Our oil palm plantations are national assets, and I think in the future we have to expand our oil palm plantations,” Prabowo said. In addition to the expansion, President Prabowo also ordered law enforcement institutions, such as the Indonesian Military (TNI) and the National Police (Polri), to strengthen the security of ...