A major oil supply plan between Russia and Indonesia is moving slowly as Jakarta works on a dedicated import mechanism, legal framework and operating structure. Indonesian officials previously said the country planned to buy 150 million barrels of Russian crude, but Reuters and Antara describe the plan as a phased import program through the end of 2026 rather than an immediate flow.

The main obstacle is not demand, but execution. Indonesian energy ministry official Laode Sulaeman said Pertamina must avoid steps that could conflict with the terms of its eurobonds, which is why the government is designing a separate scheme. The import operator has not been selected, and there is still no clear timetable for implementation.

Market data also points to a slow start. Traders say no direct Russian crude shipments to Indonesia are scheduled for this month or next. Kpler has identified only one cargo of Arctic Novy crude moving from storage in Malaysia to the Cilacap refinery, while no regular flow of Russian grades has yet been established.

The scale of the plan is difficult. To deliver 150 million barrels from mid-year, Russia would need to ship roughly 700,000 barrels per day to Indonesia — a level comparable to exports to major buyers such as Turkey. That would require redirecting barrels from other markets. Tanker availability, sanctions-related shipping constraints and the long route to Southeast Asia add further costs. Even if the Russian deal moves forward, Indonesia will still need additional crude and fuel supplies, including from the United States.