Indonesia’s entry to BRICS had opened up the possibility of Jakarta importing Russian oil, whose prices have been pushed below the global benchmarks by the sanctions.
The plant of Russian petrochemical company Gazprom Neftekhim Salavat in the Bashkortostan region of Russia (Photo: TASS/VNA)
Jakarta (VNA) - Indonesia is considering buying Russian oil which has been subject to massive European sanctions since the Russia-Ukraine conflict broke out in 2022.
Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia recently said that Indonesia’s entry to BRICS had opened up the possibility of Jakarta importing this oil, whose prices have been pushed below the global benchmarks by the sanctions.
However, Indonesia’s interest in Russian oil has sparked worries that the oil deal could take a toll on the Southeast Asian nation’s ties with Western allies. An EU diplomat, however, revealed the European bloc did not mind where Indonesia bought its oil even if it comes from Russia.
Meanwhile, Russian Ambassador to Indonesia Sergei Tolchenov said that his country is open to the oil purchase negotiations.
He noted that Russia has engaged in some talks with Indonesia to use local currencies, rupiah and ruble, for their bilateral trade as Moscow remained isolated in the international financial system.
Indonesia can only produce 700,000 and 800,000 barrels a day, only half of the national demand𒈔. It mainly imports oil from the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) members. The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) showed that Indonesia’s oil and gas imports totalled about 36.3 billion USD in 2024./.
Indonesia’s non-oil and gas exports to the five major BRICS nations reached 84.37 billion USD in 2024, accounting for nearly 34% of the country’s total non-oil and gas export value, according to the country’s Central Statistics Agency (BPS).
Indonesia is hoping to cool down the global economic rivalry by joining the Russia and China-led BRICS, according to Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Sugiono.
Amelia Anggraini, a member of the House of Representatives (DPR) of Indonesia, has said that Indonesia’s official membership of the BRICS grouping must bring real benefits to its people.
Organised by the Ministry of Culture and the Association of Thai Silk & Culture Promotions, the event honors Her Majesty the Queen on her 47th birthday anniversary and promotes Thai craftsmanship on an international stage.
Prensa Latina's recent article on Vietnam’s assurance of smooth and effective transition to a leaner structure highlighted Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s latest directions on implementing 28 resolutions regarding the decentralisation and delegation of authority.
The lab focuses on four key thematic areas: energy transition and green innovation, sustainable agriculture, circular economy and sustainable cities, and nature-based solutions and biodiversity.
The key content of the document titled "Accelerating Innovative Strategies: Addressing the OOSCY Challenges" will be refined further in a seminar preceding the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur this October.
This follows Telegram’s serious failure to address the content that has been repeatedly reported to them, despite various efforts of negotiation and cooperation made by MCMC, it said.
Efforts to empower women must transcend dialogue and translate into concrete commitments, including corporate pledges and government partnerships, according to the spouse of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
The forum featured two in-depth discussion sessions, engaging representatives from governments, think tanks, and businesses from both ASEAN and China, on how to forge closer ties for a common future.
The new FIFA Hub in Jakarta will not only support football development in Indonesia but also serve as a coordination centre for 21 football associations across Southeast and East Asia.
Minister Counselor Nguyen Hoang Nguyen reaffirmed Vietnam’s principled and consistent stance on the Palestine issue, calling for an immediate and lasting ceasefire across the entire Gaza Strip.
PM Anwar Ibrahim affirmed the determination of Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair for 2025, to utilise all viable regional mechanisms of the bloc and work with partners to de-escalate violence and restore a peace process led by Myanmar.
Talking to the Vietnam News Agency on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Vietnam’s Revolutionary Press Day (June 21, 1925–2025), Nikulina, who is also a veteran journalist of Russia’s Sputnik News, emphasised the vital role of mainstream journalism in defending the truth and maintaining public trust.
The Ministry of Commerce reported that imports also rose 18% to 29.9 billion USD during the same period, resulting in a trade surplus of 1.1 billion USD. In May alone, Thailand posted a 4.6 billion USD trade surplus with the US and a 4.1 billion USD trade deficit with China.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
