The Indonesian government has confirmed that oil imports from the United States will begin in December 2025 as part of bilateral energy cooperation. The transaction value is estimated at US$15.5 billion or Rp257.3 trillion. This step involves PT Pertamina and opens opportunities for private sector involvement.
On Tuesday, November 18, 2025, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia stated that oil imports from the US are scheduled to begin in December 2025, while Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) imports have already been realized earlier. "Then oil is most likely to start in December," said Bahlil at the Presidential Palace Complex in Central Jakarta.
Bahlil did not detail the import scheme, although the option of direct imports by PT Pertamina without prior tender has been discussed. "We'll see the scheme later," he said.
The day before, on Monday, November 17, 2025, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto revealed that Indonesia will purchase 15 million barrels of oil equivalent (BOE) from the US without tender, with the main assignment to Pertamina. "That assignment will partly go to Pertamina," said Airlangga.
The value of the oil and gas purchase is estimated at US$15.5 billion or about Rp257.3 trillion, based on an exchange rate of Rp16,600 per US dollar. This figure is included in Indonesia's tariff negotiations with the US. Airlangga added that the no-tender purchase scheme will be regulated through a Government Regulation (PP), including for commercial purchases. The LPG purchase is described as a private sector initiative. "Yes, that means it's also open to other parties planning to buy energy from America," he emphasized.
Airlangga targets the tariff agreement with the US to be signed before the end of the year. "This year still until December," he said. This large-scale oil and gas import step marks a new chapter in energy cooperation between the two countries and influences national energy supply policies.