Indonesia to continue Russian oil imports despite Strait of Hormuz developments

Indonesia will maintain its crude oil imports from Russia, even as the Strait of Hormuz may reopen amid easing tensions between the United States and Iran, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources announced. The ministry affirmed that the procurement of Russian crude oil is ongoing and is a key strategy for bolstering the nation's energy reserves.

Dwi Anggia, a spokesperson for the ministry, stated that while there were plans for the Strait of Hormuz to reopen, the situation remains dynamic. "The President's directive is clear: we must continue to strengthen our national energy reserves through various means, including importing crude oil from Russia. This will continue and is still in process," Anggia said during a press conference in Central Jakarta on Wednesday (June 17, 2026).

This policy is consistent with the instructions from President Prabowo Subianto, as outlined in Presidential Regulation Number 26 of 2026 concerning the Procurement of Crude Oil, Fuel Oil, and/or Liquefied Petroleum Gas for National Energy Resilience. The regulation empowers various business entities, including the National Oil and Gas Testing Center (Lemigas), to conduct imports aimed at enhancing national energy security.

The decision underscores Indonesia's commitment to diversifying its energy sources and ensuring a stable supply, regardless of geopolitical developments in critical shipping lanes like the Strait of Hormuz. The continued imports from Russia are seen as a crucial component of this strategy to fortify the nation's energy independence.

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The President's directive is clear: we must continue to strengthen our national energy reserves through various means, including importing crude oil from Russia. This will continue and is still in process.