Jakarta, Sept. 21 -- Indonesia is preparing to turn its vast coal reserves into gasoline to boost national energy self-sufficiency, with Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Minister Bahlil Lahadalia confirming readiness to carry out President Prabowo's directive to start coal-to-fuel production.

Speaking on the sidelines of a ministry event in Jakarta on Monday, Bahlil stated that the directive will be followed up by optimizing all potential domestic energy sources.

"We will follow up on every order and directive from the President regarding optimization efforts to enhance energy security by utilizing domestic energy sources," Bahlil said.

He explained that the President's instruction to produce gas and oil from coal stems from growing...