Jakarta. President Prabowo Subianto discussed energy cooperation with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin on Monday, although their meeting did not specifically mention oil purchase as of writing.

Prabowo is on a Moscow trip as Jakarta navigates the global energy crunch driven by Iran’s Strait of Hormuz blockade. Prabowo even brought his energy minister Bahlil Lahadalia with him. Russia is the world’s third-largest oil producer, and has emerged as a possible supplier amid the narrow waterway’s blockade. Despite previous hints of a Russian oil deal, neither leader brought up this purchase — at least in the live-broadcast parts of the talks. 

Prabowo told Putin he sought “consultations” following the rapid changes in the current geopolitics, alluding to the US-Israeli war with Iran.

“We believe that Russia has played a very positive role in addressing the current geopolitical situation that is full of uncertainties,” Prabowo said.

“That’s why we find it extremely necessary to consult [with Russia] in facing the current situation going forward. And if possible, we wish to continue to beef up our economic and energy cooperation”.

According to Putin, both sides have had prior and regular discussions on energy without going into more details. 

"Your visit is of great significance, considering the current global developments," Putin said.

Earlier that day, senior economic minister Airlangga Hartarto stayed tight-lipped when asked whether a Russian oil contract could ruffle Washington’s feathers. Airlangga only replied: “Let’s just wait for further updates.” 

Washington has slapped sanctions on Russian oil firms in response to the fighting in Ukraine. US President Donald Trump, however, recently loosened his government's sanctions that prevent other nations from buying Russian oil. Indonesia has previously committed to facilitating the imports of $4.5 billion worth of US crude as part of a reciprocal tariff deal.

Just last week, Prabowo defended his frequent international trips despite instructing his government to cut back on unnecessary spending. He said: “I have to go everywhere to secure oil.”

Russian ambassador to Indonesia Sergei Tolchenov has said that his country would be happy to sell its crude at a “commercial price”.

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