Government Prepares Regulations for Oil Imports from Russia

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) is preparing regulations to govern the import of 150 million barrels of crude oil from Russia. This was stated by Deputy Minister of ESDM Yuliot Tanjung.

“So now it’s just a matter of the instruments for how to import it. Whether directly by business entities or through a BLU (Public Service Agency). These are the two options for which we are preparing the regulatory framework,” said Yuliot, as quoted from Antara on Friday, 24 April 2026.

Yuliot said there are two options being considered regarding the mechanism for importing the oil. The first option is to import directly through state-owned enterprises (BUMNs), and the second is to import through a Public Service Agency (BLU).

If using the first option, Yuliot said, there would be consequences if BUMNs carry out the imports from Russia. The consideration is that BUMNs already have procurement contracts for oil with other parties.

“Then how about the financing, that’s the consequence of the procurement process. If through BUMNs, it has to go through a tender first. But this scheme is G-to-G (government-to-government),” said Yuliot.

Therefore, the other option being considered is to import through a BLU. He hopes there will be conveniences, including financing, if importing through a BLU. “This is also being discussed between ministries/institutions. That’s also with business entities, including how, at the time of import, which route will be used,” said Yuliot.

Previously, the President’s Special Envoy for Energy and Environment, Hashim Djojohadikusumo, said that Indonesia has received a commitment to import 150 million barrels of crude oil from Russia at a special price. The agreement is the result of President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to Russia.

Thus, Russia becomes an alternative oil supplier to Indonesia amid the current global energy crisis due to the war between the United States-Israel and Iran.