Indonesia's Energy Security Strategy Amid US Naval Blockade

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on April 13, 2026, to discuss strengthening economic and energy ties. This visit, Prabowo's third to Russia in less than a year, comes at a critical time as the United States has initiated a naval blockade of Iranian ports, raising concerns over energy security for Indonesia, which imports a significant portion of its crude oil from the Middle East. Prabowo emphasized the need for cooperation in light of the rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, stating, “We view that Russia has played a very positive role in facing these geopolitical conditions full of uncertainty.”

US blockade turns Prabowo's Russia trip into energy missionThe Straits TimesThe Straits TimesThe Straits TimesThe Straits Times

The US blockade, which began on April 13, aims to restrict maritime traffic to and from Iran, a key player in global oil supply. This blockade could exacerbate Indonesia's vulnerability, as approximately 25% of its crude oil imports transit through the Strait of Hormuz. Political analyst Dr. Ujang Komarudin noted that the blockade has heightened the urgency for Indonesia to seek alternative energy sources, particularly from Russia, which has redirected its oil exports to Asian markets following Western sanctions due to the Ukraine conflict.

The Straits Times

Prabowo's pursuit of Russian energy supplies is seen as a move to bolster his leadership image domestically, addressing criticisms regarding the effectiveness of his foreign trips. However, experts caution against viewing this as a strategic victory. Professor Hikmahanto Juwana from the University of Indonesia remarked that while meeting energy needs is crucial, overstating the significance of any agreements with Russia could lead to diplomatic complications, particularly with the US, which Indonesia has also sought to engage for energy cooperation.

The Straits Times

While Russian crude may initially appear attractive, analysts like Bhima Yudhistira from the Center of Economic and Law Studies warn that additional costs associated with freight, insurance, and financing could diminish its economic viability. The complexities of longer shipping routes and potential US retaliation against Indonesian imports from Russia further complicate the situation. Yudhistira stated, “Efforts to buy fuel from Russia do not solve all the problems,” highlighting Indonesia's ongoing reliance on imported liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and the need for expanded domestic refining capacity.

The Straits Times

Prabowo's engagement with Russia is part of a broader strategy to diversify Indonesia's energy sources, which also includes discussions with Japan and South Korea on energy cooperation and investment. However, the underlying structural weaknesses in Indonesia's energy sector remain a concern. As the US blockade continues, the potential for increased energy prices and supply disruptions looms large, underscoring the need for Indonesia to navigate its energy diplomacy carefully.

The Straits Times

• “He added: “We view that Russia has played a very positive role in facing these geopolitical conditions full of uncertainty.” — Prabowo Subianto, President of Indonesia

The Straits Times

• “Efforts to buy fuel from Russia do not solve all the problems,” — Bhima Yudhistira, Executive Director, Center of Economic and Law Studies

The Straits Times

While some analysts argue that Russian energy supplies could enhance Indonesia's security, others caution that the economic implications and potential US backlash could outweigh the benefits. The effectiveness of Prabowo's diplomatic efforts remains to be seen as the geopolitical landscape evolves.

The Straits Times