Image: Indonesia's Ministry of DefenceBernama | 9 June 2025Indonesia to develop oil palm plantation in South Papua to boost biodiesel production
By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar
JAKARTA, June 9 (Bernama) -- Indonesia plans to develop a oil palm plantation in Boven Digoel regency, South Papua province, to strengthen economic resilience and energy independence, the Defence Ministry said.
The project supports a national strategy initiated by President Prabowo Subianto to increase biodiesel production, reduce fuel imports, and underscore Papua’s strategic role in national stability and development.
Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin visited the proposed site on Sunday for an aerial survey, joined by military officials, infrastructure advisers, PT Agrinas Palma Nusantara executives, and the Governor of South Papua.
Agriculture Minister Amran Sulaiman, Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni, and Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo were also present.
“The government reaffirms its commitment to national energy self-sufficiency while enhancing sovereignty from both security and economic perspectives,” the defence ministry said.
It also highlighted the importance of cross-sectoral synergy between defence, agriculture, forestry, and energy for sustainable energy sovereignty.
The visit reflected the Indonesian government’s intent to stabilise Papua and integrate the resource-rich region through defence-led infrastructure amid separatist tensions, it added.
Meanwhile, Sjafrie and Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati also visited conflict-prone zones in Papua on Sunday, including Timika and Nduga, where they were briefed on local security conditions, the Defence Ministry said.
In a separate statement, both ministers stressed the importance of aligning defence and financial strength to support national stability.
“Defence requires financial support to be realised, and conversely, a strong defence supports the economy, thereby strengthening national finances,” they noted.
The visit, which included engagements with local officials and communities, underscored cross-ministerial efforts to enhance infrastructure and security in Papua despite ongoing challenges.
