TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Prabowo Subianto announced that an Indonesian scientific expedition team has discovered vast reserves of gold and minerals in the highlands of Papua. The expedition comprised personnel from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) alongside several universities, backed by the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI).
Prabowo noted that the findings were reported to him just hours before he inaugurated the mandatory 50 percent biodiesel blend (B50) at Rest Area KM 57 of the Cikampek Toll Road in Karawang Regency, West Java.
"I received the report just a few hours ago from our scientific expedition, which has only been running for two or three weeks in the mountains of Papua. The team from BRIN, along with several universities and assisted by the TNI, discovered a very large reserve of gold and minerals," Prabowo said in Karawang, West Java, on Thursday, July 9, 2026.
However, the Head of State stopped short of providing details regarding the exact location of the discovery, estimated reserves, or the specific types of other minerals unearthed during the expedition. Instead, Prabowo asserted that the newfound wealth ensures a bright economic trajectory for Indonesia.
"Now, we just need to continue to explore, to build upon what our predecessors have uncovered. Protecting our nation, protecting our republic, protecting goodness, reducing evil," said the former defense minister during the administration of President Joko Widodo.
In addition to the gold deposits, the President also revealed that Indonesia had recently discovered a massive natural gas field, on top of existing reserves scattered across various regions of the archipelago. "A very large gas reserve—we just discovered gas in the Andaman block, and we still have large fields in Masela in Southwest Maluku, as well as in Natuna," Prabowo added.
Read: Prabowo Hails Indonesia as First to Adopt B50 Biodiesel
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Why Does Prabowo's State Honor for PM Modi Draw Scorn?
1 jam lalu
President Prabowo Subianto awarded the Bintang Republik Indonesia Adipurna to Indian PM Narendra Modi on Tuesday, July 7, 2026.
Prabowo Hails Indonesia as First to Adopt B50 Biodiesel
4 jam lalu
President Prabowo stated that biodiesel B50 is not just a technological achievement but also evidence of Indonesia's ability to utilize its natural wealth for the people.
Indonesia Launches B50 Program, Minister: 'No More Diesel Import'
4 jam lalu
President Prabowo's administration has mandated that all types of diesel must be blended with 50 percent biodiesel.
Prabowo Attends Launch of Mandatory B50 Biodiesel Program in Karawang
5 jam lalu
President Prabowo attends the B50 Program launch in Karawang, part of efforts to boost Indonesia's energy independence and resilience.
Restored Prambanan Temple Set to Draw More Tourists, Says PM Modi
6 jam lalu
The conservation project aims to restore more than 200 damaged small shrines within the Prambanan Temple complex.
Prabowo Urges Indonesians to Learn from India's Democracy
11 jam lalu
According to Prabowo, despite having a population of billions, India is able to maintain its government stability.
Prabowo Receives Ex-Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra at Jakarta Residence
14 jam lalu
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto received a visit from the former Prime Minister of Thailand from 2001 to 2006, Thaksin Shinawatra, on Wednesday.
Prabowo, Modi Launch Indonesia-India Prambanan Temple Conservation Project
15 jam lalu
Prabowo Subianto and Narendra Modi jointly launched the Indonesia-India Collaborative Cultural Heritage Conservation Project for Prambanan Temple.
Prabowo: Democracy Is Not an Easy System, But It Is the Best
1 hari lalu
President Prabowo delivered a speech before the Indian diaspora at the Indian Community Reception, an event also attended by Indian PM Narendra Modi.
Prabowo, PM Modi Launch Prambanan Temple Restoration Partnership
1 hari lalu
Prabowo hopes that their visit to Prambanan Temple will further enhance the friendship between the people of Indonesia and India.
