Replacing Arab Oil and Allies, Bahlil Directly Contacts Angola, Nigeria, US-Russia

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia has revealed the government’s steps to redirect sources of crude oil imports from the Middle East region to several other countries amid global geopolitical dynamics.

Bahlil stated that until now, around 20% to 25% of Indonesia’s crude oil needs have been supplied by Middle Eastern countries. This dependency poses its own challenges, especially when conflicts occur that could disrupt energy supplies.

“Well, when war breaks out, I change the pattern. My entrepreneurial knowledge comes out. If it’s not possible here, we look elsewhere,” said Bahlil at the IPB Alumni Synergy for the Nation event on Saturday (2/4/2026).

Bahlil then directly established communication with several oil-producing countries such as Angola and Nigeria in Africa, as well as the United States and other countries. In fact, Indonesia has also begun taking supplies from Russia as part of energy source diversification.

“How to redirect from the Middle East? I contact Africa, Angola, Nigeria, America and several other countries. Lastly, we took from Russia,” he explained.

This is done to ensure the availability of national energy supplies remains secure amid global uncertainties. Bahlil emphasised that the government’s efforts to seek oil sources are not mere casual visits.

“So if I accompany the President to go looking for oil, it’s not sightseeing. We’re working, thinking about the 280 million lives in this nation,” said Bahlil.

It should be noted that the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) recorded that Indonesia, through PT Pertamina (Persero), imported 135.33 million barrels of crude oil throughout 2025. Of that total, around 19% or 25.36 million barrels came from Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, the rest were supplied from various countries, including African regions, Latin America, the United States, Malaysia, and several other countries.

In addition to crude oil imports, Indonesia has also established long-term cooperation with Singapore and Malaysia for supplies of fuel products (BBM).