Indonesia prioritises national interests in energy cooperation
The statement was made by Foreign Ministry spokesperson Vahd Nabyl A. Mulachela regarding Indonesia’s move to purchase oil and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from Russia while continuing to maintain its existing energy cooperation with the US.
“We must understand the context of this cooperation is the diversification of sources to ensure energy security. Therefore, our national interests are a priority,” Nabyl told reporters in Jakarta on Thursday.
He emphasized that Indonesia’s cooperation with both Russia and the US is being carried out very carefully, as well as to exploring possibilities of collaboration in other sectors.
He also believes that energy cooperation with Russia will not jeopardize cooperation with the US, given Indonesia’s strong bilateral relations with each of these countries.
“Of course, we will align with our national interests; this is our foundation,” Nabyl emphasized.
On a separate occasion, Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia noted that the government is determined to make all-out efforts to ensure sufficient energy supplies for the nation, including through multiple bilateral deals.
“It should be noted that we require around 300 million barrels of crude oil annually. Therefore, we will seize every opportunity because it is important to pursue all options that serve national interests,” Bahlil remarked at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Thursday.
The current global energy crisis, triggered by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz during the conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran, has prompted the government to identify alternative sources of oil, reaching out to more than one country, he explained.
“We will secure a crude oil supply from Russia. In fact, the Russian side has voiced readiness to help Indonesia build several key pieces of infrastructure to strengthen our energy reserves and security,” he told the press at the palace.
He also highlighted Indonesia’s reliance on imports to cover a daily shortfall of around one million barrels, with domestic production at about 600,000 barrels per day against consumption of 1.6 million barrels.
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Translator: Nabil Ihsan, Yashinta Difa