RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Russia has reiterated its readiness to supply oil and gas to Indonesia under existing agreements, underscoring energy cooperation as a strategic priority despite mounting European Union sanctions.

Russian Ambassador to Indonesia Sergei Tolchenov made the remarks in Jakarta on Monday evening, May 4, 2026, after attending the screening of Russia’s History in Space. Responding to questions on energy exports, he stressed that Indonesia remains a trusted partner.

“We are prepared to deliver oil and gas to our friends, and Indonesia is one of our strategic partners. We honor these agreements,” Tolchenov said, as quoted by Antara.

He noted that discussions between Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia and their counterparts in Moscow had already produced several accords, with implementation now the next step.

On EU sanctions, Tolchenov dismissed them as neither new nor decisive, arguing that Russia has endured restrictions for more than a decade. He added that only the UN Security Council has the authority to impose sanctions on sovereign states.

The EU’s latest package, announced on April 23, targets 36 entities in Russia’s energy sector, including upstream and downstream activities such as exploration, refining, and transport. Two Russian ports -- Murmansk and Tuapse -- and Indonesia’s Karimun Oil Terminal were also listed for alleged sanction evasion.

Indonesia, meanwhile, has emphasized energy security as a national priority. On April 30, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Vahd Nabyl A. Mulachela said Jakarta is working with multiple partners, including the U.S. and Russia, to safeguard supply.

Echoing this stance, Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia confirmed on May 2 that Russian crude shipments to Indonesia form part of a broader plan to import 150 million barrels by the end of 2026, ensuring resilience amid global geopolitical turbulence. ***