Phase II Oil Imports from Russia Still Running, Bahlil Assures Long-Term Contracts

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia (Photo: VOI File)

JAKARTA - Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia revealed that the second phase of oil imports from Russia to Indonesia has entered the second phase. Bahlil said, the first phase of imports had been completed.

"The first phase is already," Bahlil told the media, Wednesday, August 5.

However, when asked about the volume of imports in the first phase, he admitted that he did not remember the amount.

Meanwhile, for the second phase, the government said the process is still ongoing and a contract with a longer period is being prepared.

"Phase two is still running. Later we will make a contract that is long-term," he said.

He also emphasized that the procurement of oil was carried out by the state, not by PT Pertamina (Persero). According to him, the mechanism is a state decision that should not be influenced or intervened by other countries.

"The one who makes the procurement is not Pertamina, but the state. The state should not be interfered with by other countries," he said.

After the oil is imported, he continued, the government will determine the allocation of its use according to the interests of the people, the nation, and the state.

Bahlil said that this import was the result of cooperation between the Indonesian government and Russia. Therefore, imports are carried out through Lemigas which is a public service agency (BLU) under the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.

"The one who makes the procurement is not Pertamina, yes, the state. So, the state should not be intervened by other countries. This is the state. After the state takes it, only the state wants to prepare for where, for the benefit of the people, the nation, and the state, that is the state's business," explained Bahlil.

Furthermore, he also emphasized that Indonesia still adheres to the principle of free and active foreign policy. Therefore, state independence must be maintained, including in terms of oil procurement for energy security.

"Our country adheres to the principle of free activity. We do not dictate to other countries, but other countries also cannot dictate to us. Our country's independence must be maintained as part of our devotion to Mother Earth," said Bahlil.