"An opportunity to acquire oil from Russia emerged after we joined BRICS. As long as it complies with regulations and presents no issues, why not?" Bahlil said during a press conference at his office in Jakarta on Friday.
In this regard, he mentioned the possibility that the oil Indonesia has been importing from Middle Eastern countries may originate from Russia.
"Maybe the oil comes from there (Russia)," he told the media.
Highlighting Indonesia's independent and active foreign policy, the minister affirmed that the country has the flexibility to take diverse measures in pursuit of its national interests, including joining both BRICS and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
"In my view, there’s no conflict in Indonesia being a member of BRICS while also pursuing OECD membership," he said.
On Monday, Indonesia officially became the 10th full member of BRICS, an economic alliance comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates.
Despite joining the bloc, Indonesia remains committed to completing its ongoing accession to the OECD, an international organization based in Paris, France.
On Thursday, National Economics Council (DEN) chairperson Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan made a similar statement, while highlighting that his side is still calculating the pros and cons of sourcing oil from Russia.
"As long as it benefits the Republic of Indonesia, we are open to discussing it. If this step allows us to purchase oil at US$20 or US$22 cheaper, why not?" he said in Jakarta.
However, Pandjaitan stressed that the government will carefully evaluate the opportunity before making a decision.
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Translator: Putu Indah, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Primayanti
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