"The first shipment has already arrived. The second shipment is underway. We will later establish a long term contract," Lahadalia said here on Wednesday.
He stressed the procurement and import of Russian crude oil are being carried out by the government through the Oil and Petroleum Testing Center (Lemigas) and not by state-owned energy firm Pertamina.
Related news: FM Sugiono pushes Indonesia-Rusia nuclear power partnership
Once the government imports crude oil from Russia, Lahadalia added, its distribution to the public becomes a state matter that cannot be influenced by other countries.
"No other country can interfere with the state's affairs. We are a sovereign nation. Our country adheres to a free and active foreign policy," he remarked.
Indonesia does not dictate other countries' policies, he stressed, and therefore other countries should not dictate Indonesia's decisions, including those related to meeting its national energy needs.
"We must safeguard our nation's independence as part of our devotion to our motherland," Lahadalia added.
Related news: Indonesia begins first Russian oil imports under 150-mln-barrel plan
He emphasised Indonesia currently needs crude oil. As an energy minister, Lahadalia said his priority is to maintain adequate domestic fuel reserves.
As long as the import process complies with existing regulations, he said, Indonesia will continue importing oil regardless of its country of origin.
In line with President Prabowo Subianto's instruction through Presidential Regulation Number 26 of 2026 on the Procurement of Crude Oil, Fuel, and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) for National Energy Security, Lahadalia has instructed Lemigas to import crude oil from Russia.
He explained assigning Lemigas to manage energy imports aims to shorten the import supply chain that has existed so far.
Lahadalia said importing energy commodities through Lemigas also enables government to government (G to G) transactions.
Related news: Indonesia promotes palm oil bioenergy in Russia
Translator: Putu, Kenzu
Editor: Fransiska Ninditya
Copyright © ANTARA 2026
