Indonesia does not import petroleum products from the Middle East, says Bahlil

Jakarta — Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia stated that Indonesia does not import refined petroleum products from the Middle East.

He clarified that Indonesia imports only crude oil from the Middle East, accounting for 20 per cent of total crude oil imports. Refined petroleum products are sourced from Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia.

“So crude oil does represent 20 per cent from the Middle East. The rest we obtain from Angola, Nigeria, Brazil, and also some from America and Malaysia,” Bahlil said during a full cabinet session at the State Palace in Jakarta on Friday.

Bahlil reported that current diesel demand can now be met entirely from domestic production. This achievement is supported by a biodiesel blending programme and the operational Refinery Development Master Plan project in Balikpapan.

He stated that the only refined petroleum product Indonesia still imports is petrol, sourced from Malaysia and Singapore.

Moving forward, Bahlil emphasised that Indonesia must develop domestic refineries to increase self-sufficiency in fuel production. “We import petrol partly from Malaysia and partly from Singapore. Going forward, there is no other way — we must develop our refineries to produce these fuels domestically,” he said.

Meanwhile, Bahlil assured that national reserves of petroleum products and liquefied petroleum gas remain secure ahead of the holiday period. Current stockpiles of various fuel types exceed the government-established minimum reserve thresholds. He stressed that the public should not be concerned about energy availability.

Pertamax non-subsidised petrol with RON 92 holds reserves of approximately 28 days, well above the minimum threshold of 11 days. Higher-octane fuels such as Pertamax Turbo with RON 98 hold even greater reserves of approximately 31 days.

Subsidised diesel reserves are recorded at approximately 16.41 days, also exceeding the established minimum threshold. Non-subsidised diesel reserves reach approximately 46 days.