Addressing Dependency, Bahlil Frankly Explains Reasons for Choosing Oil Imports from Russia

Jakarta – Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, has assured that Indonesia will import crude oil from Russia to secure domestic supplies, targeting the imports for April 2026. Regarding the reasons for choosing imports from Russia, Bahlil explained that in the current uncertain geopolitical conditions, Indonesia cannot rely solely on one country to meet its needs and must diversify. Not only with Russia, Bahlil admitted that Indonesia actually also has cooperation with the United States (US) in purchasing such oil. “We buy crude in Russia, but this (oil purchase) we also do with other countries, including America,” said Bahlil at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Jakarta, on Friday, 17 April 2026. “Because in the current uncertain geopolitical position, we cannot expect only one country, so there must be diversification,” he stated. Bahlil even targeted that the crude oil imported from Russia could at least be shipped directly to Indonesia in April 2026. “For crude, maybe this month (April) it can (be shipped to Indonesia). InsyaAllah,” said Bahlil. Nevertheless, Bahlil did not detail the exact supply volume of oil that the Indonesian government will import from Russia. He could not disclose that to the public due to an agreement between the two parties prohibiting it. He only assured that domestic oil supplies will remain safe and maintained until the end of 2026. “I cannot explain the volume. The important thing is the President’s directive to ensure all our needs (crude oil) are available, and we must seek to ensure the interests of the people are served,” said Bahlil. Regarding the price per barrel of the oil imported from Russia, Bahlil explained that it will certainly be adjusted to market prices and the results of negotiations agreed upon by both parties. “The price will definitely be dynamic, as it will adjust to market prices and also depend on our negotiations,” he stated.