With the ongoing geopolitical concerns waging between the global south and the west, the plot has certainly thickened Tuesday. Indeed, the BRICS expansion nation, Indonesia, has recently stated it wants to buy Russian oil while stating it remains unafraid of Western retaliation or the ongoing tariff warning from US President-elect Donald Trump.
Since Trump emerged victorious in the 2024 presidential election, he has issued a stark threat to the economic alliance specifically. Although focused on de-dollarization, oil bought from Russia would only further its local currency promotion policies. Therefore, it could be subject to the same consequence from the West. The question is, does it matter to nations now joining the group?
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Indonesia Eyes Increased BRICS Trade as They Remain Willing to Pay ‘Geopolitical Costs’
For the last two years, the BRICS alliance has been the subject of interest for a number of nations. With the bloc championing economic equality on a global scale, it has sought to challenge the dollar. Now, that pursuit has elicited a harrowing response from the incoming US President. Yet, that has not deterred one of its most recent expansion countries.
The newest BRICS country, Indonesia, is reportedly seeking to buy Russian oil, while also noting they remain undeterred by Trump’s 100% tariff threat. Moreover, they have discussed increased exports to both China and India, with eyes on solidifying its place in the collective.
Indonesia’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, recently said, “An opportunity to acquire oil from Russia emerged after we joined BRICS.” He noted that the opportunity would be one they accept.
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“As long as it complies with regulations and presents no issues, why not?” Minster Lahadalia added. His sentiments were similar to Indonesia’s National Economic Council Chair, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan.
“As long as it benefits the Republic of Indonesia, we are open to discussing it. If this step allows us to purchase oil at US$20 or US$22 cheaper, why not?” he added. This drove some concerns over Western retaliation. Yet Trade Minister Zulkifil Hasan answered those, noting that the country would not operate its trade dealings out of fear.
“Why don’t we want to [buy Russian oil]? We’re afraid? There’s no room for being afraid in trade. How can one conduct trade if one is afraid?” However, international relations and Indonesian politics expert, Ahmad Risky Umar, notes that “there is likely to be geopolitical costs.” Moreover, the country president, Pabowo Subianto, is said to be aware of and prepared to navigate them.