Indonesia to ban export of palm oil waste to boost domestic energy use

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has announced that the country will prohibit the export of palm oil waste, including used cooking oil, to prioritize its use for domestic needs, particularly to advance energy self-sufficiency, the Indonesian news agency Antara reported.

Speaking at the 2026 National Coordination Meeting of Central and Regional Governments in Sentul, West Java, Prabowo emphasized that the nation’s abundant palm oil resources must first serve national interests.

“Palm oil waste, including used cooking oil, is material for aviation fuel. So, I am closing it off to other countries. It must first serve the people of Indonesia,” the president said.

He described palm oil as a strategic commodity with a wide range of applications—from cooking oil and food products to soap and biodiesel—and called it a “miracle crop” capable of meeting global demand.

Prabowo noted that while there is international interest in Indonesia’s crude palm oil, national priorities must come first. Using raw materials, including used palm oil, to develop domestic biodiesel and aviation fuel will reduce reliance on imported fuel and strengthen the country’s energy self-sufficiency.

Tags: export, Indonesia, palm oil, restrictions