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Can the world's third-largest democracy buy discounted oil from Russia, maintain its foreign policy independence and come down on the right side of history?   © Illustration by Hiroko Aida
Asia Insight

Indonesia in spotlight as it weighs buying Russia's 'blood oil'

Ukraine war and skyrocketing fuel prices strip away Jokowi's rare opportunity

NANA SHIBATA and ERWIDA MAULIA, Nikkei staff writers | Indonesia

TOKYO/JAKARTA -- Indonesia's plan to buy oil from Russia amid the war in Ukraine has ignited an argument over where the country should come down on global issues.

The Southeast Asian nation, which desperately needs cheap oil to tame inflation, regardless of where it comes from, has attracted strong criticism and accusations that buying from Russia will only fill Vladimir Putin's war chest.

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