Prabowo Orders Bahlil to Seek Oil Supplies from Various Countries
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia revealed that Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has instructed him and his team to promptly seek additional oil supply sources from various countries. This is to maintain national energy resilience during the escalation of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Bahlil stated that the government is endeavouring to diversify oil import sources and maximise domestic energy potential to ensure the availability of fuel oil (BBM) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
“Insya Allah, the government will safeguard our energy supplies, reserves, and prices. On various occasions, even in conditions affecting nearly the entire world, we are grateful to Allah; thanks to the President’s directives and public support, today our beloved nation’s fuel—petrol, diesel, and LPG—is well met,” he said during a press conference following an inspection of fuel supplies at the Bolon petrol station in Colomadu Subdistrict, Karanganyar Regency, Central Java, on Thursday (26/3/2026).
“However, we must realise that this geopolitical situation cannot be predicted by anyone. Even in various analyses, we pray that this war can end well and quickly. But looking at the current situation, we are striving for it not to drag on too long,” he added.
“On that basis, the President instructed me and the team last night to immediately seek our oil supplies from nearly all countries and to optimise all available domestic energy,” he continued.
Bahlil explained that Indonesia previously imported around 20% of its crude oil from the Middle East, shipped through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway currently embroiled in conflict.
However, the government has taken swift action by switching supplies from other countries to cover potential shortages.
“We also know that 20% of our crude comes from the Strait of Hormuz; now we have switched to other places, and the supplies are, Insya Allah, starting to improve. So, please keep us in your prayers,” he added.
Not denying it, Bahlil said that several neighbouring countries in Asia are beginning to face energy emergencies, but the government assures that fuel and LPG supplies in Indonesia are currently safe and under control.
The government stated that national energy reserves are still above the minimum standards set.
Furthermore, Bahlil emphasised that the government has no plans to raise subsidised fuel prices in the near term. He mentioned ongoing coordination with the Finance Minister to find the best financing scheme so that the burden from the current situation is not immediately passed on to the public.
“Pray for us in the government, especially regarding subsidies; up until last night, the President’s directive was to find ways to avoid burdening the people. So for subsidies, I and the Finance Minister are continuously seeking the best solutions—even in a crisis, we still prioritise the people’s conditions,” he stressed.