"It's already underway, gradually," Bahlil said, noting that shipments cannot be carried out all at once due to the country's limited crude storage capacity.
He added that the move also reflects Indonesia's response to escalating tensions in the Middle East.
To strengthen energy security, Indonesia plans to expand its crude oil storage capacity from the current 25–26 days of reserves to 90 days, in line with international standards.
The government has secured investors for a planned crude storage facility in Sumatra. The project is currently undergoing a feasibility study, with construction targeted to begin this year.
Indonesia's energy security has come under renewed focus amid the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
Iran has since closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane that handles about one-fifth of global oil trade, or roughly 20 million barrels per day, as well as significant volumes of liquefied natural gas exports from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
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Translator: Putu Indah S, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Anton Santoso
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