Russia Dares Jakarta to Defy Trump’s Tariff Threat and Buy Its Oil
Jakarta. Russia has reiterated its offer to supply oil to Indonesia, but its envoy in Jakarta questioned whether the Southeast Asian nation is “brave enough” to proceed without fear of punitive measures from US President Donald Trump.
Russian Ambassador Sergei Tolchenov said Moscow’s proposal to export oil and gas remains on the table, yet Indonesia must weigh the potential consequences on its ongoing trade negotiations with Washington.
“We are ready to supply oil and gas to Indonesia,” Tolchenov said on Wednesday. “But tell us who in Indonesia is brave enough to import oil and gas without hearing from President Trump that he will impose more tariffs on those who buy Russian energy.”
Indonesia joined the Russia-backed BRICS bloc earlier this year, after which Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said the country was open to purchasing Russian oil. Presidential adviser Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan also cited affordability as a key incentive. However, months later, the plan has yet to materialize.
The comments came shortly after Washington imposed fresh sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil, Russia’s two largest oil firms, in response to stalled talks over the war in Ukraine. The Trump administration has also penalized India, slapping a 50 percent import tariff for continuing to buy Russian crude.
At home, Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry Director-General Laode Sulaeman confirmed that Indonesia has not signed any import contracts for Russian crude or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). He said Jakarta currently prioritizes energy purchases from the United States before seeking alternative suppliers.
Under a recent trade agreement, Trump reduced tariffs on Indonesian goods from 32 percent to 19 percent, effective August 7. In return, Indonesia pledged to buy around $15 billion worth of American energy products, including LPG, crude oil, and gasoline.
Jakarta is also lobbying Washington to lift tariffs on palm oil, cocoa, and rubber -- commodities the US does not produce domestically.
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said negotiations are expected to resume next month.
“We have completed almost every part of the agreement, but we still need to finalize the legal drafting,” Airlangga told reporters on Wednesday evening.
Tags: Keywords:
as a preferred
Related Articles
Russia Denies Actively Seeking Indonesian Fighters in Ukraine War
Russian ambassador Sergei Tolchenov says his embassy never shares information related to the military recruitment in Indonesia.
Russia Says Indonesian Cooperation Under ‘Very Strict’ Western Monitoring
Russian ambassador Sergei Tolchenov says that all of its activities with Indonesia are "under very strict monitoring" from Western nations.
Indonesia Confirms First Russian Oil Import Under 150 Million-Barrel Supply Deal
Indonesia confirms its first Russian oil import under a 150 million-barrel commitment, with the shipment handled by a government agency.
Indonesia Says Russian Crude Deal is Still On
Russian Ambassador Sergei Tolchenov recently said that Indonesia had not provided the necessary details of its Russian crude imports.
Russia and Indonesia in a New World
Russia considers Indonesia, with its economy and prestige increasing significantly, as one of the centers of power in the Asia-Pacific.
Indonesia Drafts Rules to Enable Russian Oil Imports Despite Western Sanctions
Indonesia is preparing new regulations to facilitate Russian oil imports while shielding state energy firms from sanctions risks.
Indonesia Expects First Russian Crude Shipment Within Two Weeks
Indonesia expects its first Russian crude oil shipment within two weeks after finalizing a major supply agreement.
Indonesia ‘Open to All Partners’ as EU Urges Russian Oil Exit
Indonesia has said it is “flexible” when it comes to picking its oil suppliers as long as they can help boost domestic supplies.
'Russia-Belarus Ties Have No Global Parallel': Takeaways from Jakarta Globe Insight
Citizens of both countries are able to move freely across borders and enjoy equal access to employment and business opportunities.
EU Doesn't Want ASEAN to Buy Russian Oil
The EU says that Russia will use the oil money to continue to fund the war in Ukraine.The Latest
Ye Concert, Other Events to Draw 130,000 to GBK, Here’s What to Know
Around 130,000 visitors are expected at Jakarta’s GBK on Saturday as Ye’s concert and several major events take place.
Indonesia Allocates Rp 722 Billion for Year-End Flight Ticket Tax Relief
Indonesia allocates Rp 722 billion to cover domestic flight ticket VAT during the 2026/2027 Christmas and New Year holidays.
Greece Floats Shipbuilding Partnership with Indonesia
Greece says that it possesses “extensive expertise” as it woos Indonesia in shipbuilding partnership.
Indonesian Stocks Rally 4.9%, but Foreign Investors Keep Selling
Indonesia’s JCI rose 4.9% last week, but foreign selling and MSCI downgrade risks continue to cloud the market outlook.
Ye Concert in Jakarta to Deploy 2,000 Security Personnel
More than 2,000 personnel will secure Ye’s Jakarta concert on Saturday, as organizers urge fans to use public transport.Most Popular
