Jakarta. A Russian diplomat revealed Wednesday that Indonesia had not proposed any specifics on its crude purchase, while saying that Moscow is still willing to become its fuel supplier despite the lack of clarity to the current negotiations.

Indonesia clinched a preliminary agreement in April to buy crude following high-level Moscow talks. Although Indonesia had repeatedly assured its people that the deal was still in place, Russian Ambassador Sergei Tolchenov said that Jakarta had not declared how much volume it was looking to procure. 

"Where is the request? … We need details of the type of oils, volumes, and what maritime ports. How will you [Indonesia] pay? What price are you looking for? We need this specific information. Nothing about this," Tolchenov told a news conference in Jakarta.

President Prabowo Subianto has granted fuel import power to Lemigas, the oil research center under the Energy Ministry. The agency will handle the Russian crude imports instead of the state-run energy giant Pertamina, a move supposedly meant to streamline the process. Despite the changes, Tolchenov admitted that he had not had any formal talks with any Lemigas representative, hence raising eyebrows over Jakarta’s interest. 

“We are ready for cooperation in the oil and gas field, but no specific approach [from Indonesia],” Tolchenov said.

Despite Tolchenov’s worries over the undecided volume, the government had repeatedly stated that Indonesia would import 150 million barrels of Russian crude oil. The shipments would take place in stages throughout 2026.

Iran’s de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted crude supplies from the Gulf, prompting Jakarta to pivot to Russian oil. 

An interim peace deal between the US and Iran has paused hostilities for 60 days. The memorandum of understanding also stipulates that Tehran will ensure free passage for commercial vessels at the Hormuz free of charge. Amid the latest developments, Energy Ministry spokesperson Dwi Anggia recently described the situation in Hormuz as being “very dynamic”.

“Mr. President has ordered us to strengthen energy reserves through various means, including buying Russian crude. This is still in the works,” Dwi was quoted as saying by the state news agency Antara.

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