Under Pressure from Soaring Oil Prices, Indonesian President to Meet Putin in Russia

Prabowo's office confirmed to AFP that Prabowo is expected to depart this evening.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono stated yesterday that oil is 'strategically important for Indonesia,' and the President's trip to Russia will include it as a key discussion point.

Sugiono said, 'President Prabowo will meet with Vladimir Putin to discuss global geopolitics, and of course, the energy situation.'

Prabowo recently visited South Korea and Japan. Last week, he stated in a cabinet meeting, 'To ensure oil supply, I must travel everywhere.'

Indonesia, like many countries, is under pressure from soaring international oil prices caused by the Middle East war.

Indonesia is Southeast Asia's largest economy and an oil producer itself, but it remains a net oil importer; the Indonesian government has long heavily subsidized fuel.

Last month, the Prabowo government announced the implementation of fuel rationing and mandated civil servants to work from home one day a week to conserve energy reserves. The government also promised not to raise fuel prices in the near future.

AFP reported that Russian Ambassador to Indonesia, Sergei Tolchenov, told media in March that Russia was willing to sell oil to Indonesia.

Tolchenov said, 'If Indonesia has a need, please tell us, and you will get oil.' The two countries were then preparing for joint military exercises in Jakarta port.

Last year, Indonesia joined the emerging economies organization BRICS, whose members include Russia and China.

Prabowo also signed a trade agreement with US President Donald Trump and joined Trump's 'Board of Peace.' (Edited by Chi Chin-ling) 1150412