Jakarta, July 21 -- Indonesia has begun its first oil imports from Russia under a government plan to import 150 million barrels, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said Tuesday.

"We have carried out the first stage and ordered it through Lemigas," Lahadalia said after opening the 2026 Global Hydrogen Ecosystem Summit & Exhibition in Jakarta.

Indonesia remains dependent on oil, making adequate domestic fuel supplies essential, he said, adding that imports will continue as long as they comply with regulations, regardless of origin.

"National sovereignty cannot be interfered with by other countries. We still need oil," the minister said.

Under President Prabowo Subianto's direction and Presidential Regulation No. 26 o...