ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources of the Republic of Indonesia, Bahlil Lahadalia, revealed that Indonesia has opened up opportunities to buy oil from Russia as Indonesia joins BRICS.
BRICS is an alliance of countries formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. Previously, BRICS had also succeeded in adding several new member countries, namely Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates.
Bahlil said that Indonesia is a country that adheres to the principle of free and active. This means that Indonesia can collaborate with any country as long as it does not violate the rules. Therefore, he said that it would be fine if in the future there was an opportunity for Indonesia to buy oil from Russia.
On the other hand, currently Russia is still receiving sanctions from Western countries due to military operations in Ukraine.
“When we join BRICS, and then there is an opportunity for us to get oil from Russia, as long as it is within the rules and there are no problems, why not?” said Bahlil, Friday, January 10 2025.
According to Bahlil, Indonesia will continue to take opportunities for cooperation with any country as long as it is profitable. This does not only apply to BRICS member countries, but also to member countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
“I think all opportunities that benefit Indonesia, whether joining BRICS or the OECD, are not a problem,” said Bahlil.
Previously, the Russian government welcomed Indonesia’s joining as a full member of BRICS. This statement was conveyed through a statement from the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
Russia said Indonesia’s candidacy had been submitted and approved previously during the first phase of BRICS expansion at a summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2023.
“However, because of the 2024 elections, Indonesia decided to postpone Jakarta’s official request while waiting for the inauguration of the new head of state and the appointment of a new cabinet,” said Russia’s MOFA in its official statement.
MOFA Russia said Indonesia shares similar values with BRICS which supports multilateral cooperation based on the principles of mutual respect, openness, pragmatism, solidarity and consensus.
“Indonesia’s membership in BRICS will help increase the authority and prestige of this group even further,” he said.
Russia is determined to facilitate consistent consolidation between Southern and Eastern countries to build a more just and balanced world order. (AT Network)
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