Jakarta, April 16 -- Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia reported that Indonesia is close to finalizing a deal with Russia to import crude oil.

"As for talks on crude oil, I believe we are already at the final stage," Lahadalia said after briefing President Prabowo Subianto on the progress of negotiations with Russia.

Addressing the press at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Thursday afternoon, Lahadalia described his meeting with the Russian government in Moscow on Tuesday (April 14) as quite fruitful.

"We will secure a crude oil supply from Russia. In fact, the Russian side has voiced readiness to help Indonesia build several key pieces of infrastructure to strengthen our energy reserves and security," he remarked....