Indonesia Secures Russian Oil to Strengthen Energy Resilience

Jakarta, April 17, 2026 — Indonesia has confirmed it will proceed with purchasing crude oil from Russia despite already having an energy agreement with the United States, emphasizing its commitment to a free and active foreign policy that includes economic independence.

The announcement came from Bahlil Lahadalia, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, who stated that the country’s annual crude oil requirement stands at 300 million barrels and that securing diverse suppliers is essential for national energy stability.

“We cannot rely on just one country,” Bahlil said during a press briefing at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Thursday, April 16, 2026. “We must take what benefits our nation, and we will do so.”

He reiterated that Indonesia’s foreign policy of being free and active extends to economic relations, allowing the country to engage in trade with any willing partner, including Russia, Africa, and Nigeria, while still honoring existing agreements.

Regarding the United States, Bahlil affirmed that Indonesia remains committed to the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) and values its cooperation with Washington, particularly in energy matters.

The move follows recent diplomatic engagements between Indonesian and Russian officials, including a meeting between President Prabowo Subianto and President Vladimir Putin earlier in the week, which paved the way for the crude oil supply arrangement.

Bahlil also noted that similar discussions have been held with other nations to broaden Indonesia’s energy sourcing options, reinforcing the goal of reducing dependency on any single supplier.

He emphasized that the government’s priority is to make decisions that are most advantageous for the country, especially in ensuring reliable access to fuel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for domestic consumption.

This strategy reflects Indonesia’s broader effort to strengthen national energy resilience amid global market uncertainties, while maintaining balanced diplomatic and economic relations with multiple global powers.