Indonesia Seeks Russian Oil Amid Supply Risks

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a five-hour meeting at the Kremlin on Monday, underscoring closer ties between the two countries as Indonesia tries to strengthen its long-term energy security.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto (left) shakes hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a state visit at the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow, Russia, April 13, 2026. The two leaders met to discuss global geopolitical dynamics and strengthen strategic cooperation in energy and the economy, following Russia's support for Indonesia's membership in the BRICS bloc. Presidential Press Bureau

JAKARTA — Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya said the talks covered a wide range of issues, including oil and gas supply, refinery development, mineral processing and downstream industries.

“Several points were agreed upon, including long-term cooperation in the energy and mineral resources sector, covering oil and gas security and downstreaming,” Teddy said.

Indonesia has long relied on fuel imports from the United States, the United Arab Emirates and Australia. But officials are increasingly looking for additional suppliers as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz raise concerns over shipping routes and global energy prices.

Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilev said Indonesia had expressed interest in securing more petroleum products from Russia.

“We received a request from our Indonesian colleagues to supply petroleum products,” Tsivilev said. “Russia has always presented itself to the world as a reliable supplier.”

Beyond crude and fuel supplies, the talks also focused on refinery investment, industrial processing and wider trade links between the two countries.

Officials said both sides are discussing longer-term arrangements that could help Indonesia stabilise fuel costs and reduce its exposure to sudden supply disruptions.

The Kremlin meeting was the fifth between Prabowo and Putin over the past year, highlighting how quickly ties have expanded since Prabowo took office.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono said the partnership with Russia is no longer limited to commodities and trade.

“The President outlined areas to strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in the economic field, while maintaining our existing relations,” Sugiono said.

Indonesia also sees Russia as an important geopolitical partner, given its role in global energy markets, the United Nations Security Council and the BRICS group of emerging economies.

Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said the relationship could eventually expand into clean energy as Indonesia looks to diversify beyond oil and gas.

“In the long term, Indonesia is also opening opportunities for cooperation in clean energy,” Bahlil said.