Russia Ready for Nuclear and Oil Cooperation, Awaits Indonesia's Signal

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Russian Ambassador to Indonesia, Sergei Tolchenov, said Russia is ready to support the development of nuclear power plants (NPPs) in Indonesia through Russia’s state-owned nuclear energy corporation, Rosatom, provided that the Indonesian government gives an official signal and decision regarding the project. Tolchenov also conveyed the development of nuclear energy in Indonesia still requires further discussions, including the formulation of regulations and coordination with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on safety and safeguards issues.

Russia is also still awaiting a final decision from President Prabowo Subianto regarding the use of nuclear energy for electricity generation in Indonesia. "We need some additional talks, some regulations, because nuclear power, well, they need serious concern. It should be discussed also with the international agency for nuclear energy, because they need some safeguards from this agency," he said.

The Ambassador believes that nuclear energy could be a solution to meet Indonesia’s electricity needs, particularly in remote regions that still rely on diesel-powered generators with high operating costs. He explained that nuclear power plants could provide a more stable electricity supply at a lower cost than fossil fuel-based energy sources.

Previously, while attending the ASEAN-Russia Summit in Kazan on June 18, 2026, Indonesian Foreign Minister, Sugiono, encouraged cooperation with Russia in nuclear technology to help achieve Indonesia’s national energy self-sufficiency target within the next three years. Sugiono reaffirmed the government’s commitment to accelerating renewable energy development by exploring various safe technological options.

In addition to nuclear energy, Tolchenov said the oil and gas sector is also a key focus of energy cooperation between Indonesia and Russia. According to him, Russia is ready to expand cooperation in both sectors. However, there has been no specific request or approach from Indonesia so far, either regarding oil and gas imports or the development of nuclear power plants.

"So, it means that in both cases, Russia is in a stand-by position. So, if you need oil and gas, please tell us. How many, what kind of, where we need to bring it," he said.

Earlier, on June 17, 2026, Indonesia’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) stated that the country would continue importing crude oil from Russia despite the reopening of shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz amid easing tensions in the Middle East. The Ministry's spokesperson, Dwi Anggia, said crude oil procurement from Russia remains ongoing and is one of the government's measures to strengthen national energy reserves.

In addition, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has tasked the Center for Oil and Gas Testing with importing crude oil from Russia. The move is part of the implementation of Indonesia’s commitment to import 150 million barrels of crude oil from Russia in stages through the end of 2026, following President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to Russia.