Indonesia Seeks Russian Oil Amid Global Energy Crisis

President Prabowo Subianto traveled to Moscow this week to secure discounted crude oil supplies as global prices surge amid the ongoing energy crisis triggered by the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

With approximately 25 percent of world seaborne oil trade transiting the Strait of Hormuz—80 percent of which is destined for Asia—Indonesia faces heightened vulnerability to supply disruptions and price volatility. The closure of this critical chokepoint has intensified Jakarta’s urgency to diversify its energy sources.

“With the Middle East’s energy resources bottled up by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Indonesia is desperate to secure alternative supplies of crude oil – and Russia has plenty for sale,” said Ian Storey, principal fellow at the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore.

During his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin, Prabowo discussed long-term cooperation in the oil and gas sectors, alongside broader topics including food security and civilian nuclear technology. Russia remains a major supplier of agricultural fertilizers to Indonesia and possesses extensive experience in exporting nuclear power plant technology.

The visit coincided with diplomatic engagements elsewhere: Indonesia’s Minister of Defense met with U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon, resulting in the announcement of a new Major Defense Cooperation Partnership (MDCP) aimed at maintaining peace and stability in Asia. This underscores Indonesia’s continued effort to balance relationships with global powers despite its non-aligned foreign policy stance.

Pertamina, Indonesia’s state energy company, has confirmed that its refineries are prepared to process Russian crude, signaling readiness to absorb increased volumes should an agreement be finalized.

As the global energy landscape remains volatile, Indonesia’s outreach to Russia reflects a pragmatic strategy to safeguard domestic fuel supplies and mitigate economic pressures on millions of citizens at risk of falling into poverty due to rising energy costs.