Indonesia and Russia discuss concrete energy cooperation

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia stated that the meeting between Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed concrete energy cooperation oriented towards national interests. According to his official statement confirmed by ANTARA from Jakarta on Tuesday, the cooperation includes the development of oil refineries, strengthening oil trade, and enhancing the utilisation of energy technology. “In the long term, Indonesia is also opening opportunities for collaboration in the clean energy sector. As an effort directed towards supporting energy diversification,” Bahlil said. The global energy market volatility, which is still under pressure, has also impacted energy supply stability in many countries, including Indonesia. To maintain national energy supply resilience, he said the government continues to take strategic steps, one of which is through exploring cooperation with Russia as one of the world’s energy producer countries. Bahlil reaffirmed his commitment to guiding energy diplomacy to maintain domestic energy supply stability. This was conveyed when accompanying President Prabowo in a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin Palace, Moscow, Russia, on Monday (13/4) local time. The main focus of the cooperation includes efforts to ensure energy supply and encourage investment in the energy sector. “This visit becomes an important momentum to ensure that the national energy supply remains maintained and to strengthen national energy resilience,” Bahlil said. Bahlil emphasised that the government will continue to guide the implementation of various cooperation opportunities that have been discussed so that they can be realised soon. President Prabowo Subianto reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to continue strengthening strategic relations with Russia in the energy sector as part of efforts to maintain national economic stability, especially in facing global geopolitical turmoil. “Therefore, we feel it is very necessary to consult on how we face the future situation, and especially if possible, we continue to tighten cooperation, especially in the fields of economy and energy. Once again, thank you for receiving me in such a short time,” Prabowo said when meeting Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin Palace, Moscow, Russia. Meanwhile, Putin emphasised that opportunities for cooperation between Russia and Indonesia always prioritise strategic sectors, especially in the energy sector. “The two countries cooperate very closely, interact very well in various international forums. Indonesia has become a BRICS member, this opens new opportunities to develop our cooperation,” Putin said. The existence of this cooperation is expected to provide positive impacts on strengthening national energy resilience as well as supporting the economic stability of both countries amid global dynamics.