Indonesia continues to import oil from Russia despite US sanctions shadow

Indonesia continues to import oil from Russia despite the upcoming expiration of US sanctions relaxation on Russian oil sales on 16 May 2026.

“The process is still ongoing. Recently, the Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Yuliot, returned from Russia. Therefore, the process continues,” stated the Director General of Oil and Gas, Laode Sulaeman, when met at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources office in Jakarta on Monday.

Laode noted that Indonesia maintains an independent and active foreign policy. Furthermore, Indonesia is a member of BRICS, the economic bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

“Essentially, as a nation, we maintain an independent and active stance. Moreover, we are also a member of BRICS,” Laode added.

One of the efforts to maintain national energy supply security amidst global geopolitical dynamics is the importation of crude oil from Russia, which is expected to arrive in Indonesia shortly. This step is part of the realisation of a commitment to import 150 million barrels of oil from Russia, to be carried out gradually until the end of 2026.

The government is currently prioritising the availability of all types of fuel to meet the needs of the public and industry.

Meanwhile, on 14 April, the US Department of the Treasury stated it would end sanctions exemptions for Iranian oil. Subsequently, on 17 April, the department issued a general licence allowing the sale of Russian oil that had been loaded onto ships from 17 April until 16 May. Consequently, the relaxation of sanctions on Russian oil sales will conclude on 16 May 2026.