Jakarta, June 9 -- Indonesia's Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin paid a working visit to Boven Digoel District in South Papua to observe the development site of a palm oil-based biodiesel program.

In a statement received by ANTARA in Jakarta on Sunday, the minister said the visit confirmed the government's commitment to gradually building national energy independence while strengthening the country's security and economic sovereignty.

He further explained that the program forms part of the government's strategy to bolster energy security and reduce reliance on imported fuels, especially diesel.

Additionally, he noted that achieving national energy independence is one of President Prabowo Subianto's programs in energy security.

"Thi...