Indonesia Awaits Russia`s Decision over Sukhoi-Commodities Barter

Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu (left) and Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukita gave a statement during a press conference at the Ministry of Defense Jakarta.

Jakarta, MINA – Trade minister Enggartiasto Lukita said here on Monday Indonesia is waiting for Russias decision to implement a barter of 11 Sukhoi fighter jets with Indonesian national commodities.

“We give them time to discuss it internally,” Antara News quoted the minister as saying at the Presidential Palace compound.

The Indonesian and Russian governments have earlier made an agreement to barter 11 Sukhoi-35 fighter jets with a number of national commodities.

The agreement was realized following the signing of a memorandum of understanding by Russian state-owned company Rostec and Indonesian state-owned company PT Perusahaan Perdagangan Indonesia.

“We are still making the list (commodities for the barter) that includes furniture, coffee and sugar that we will immediately send to them,” he said.

He said all main commodities will be put in the list for Russia to choose, he added.

He said Indonesia wished to increase the added value of its commodities through the barter.

“I wish there will be an added value. Even “kerupuk” (side dish) and bisquits are now exported to Africa including Nigeria and their volume is big. They have an added value,” he said.

He said besides commodities Indonesia also offered defense system equipment including products from PT Pindad and PT Dirgantara Indonesia

“Defense system equipment is also included. We are offering products from Pindad and also PT DI including ships and others. We will make the list from which they may choose and then negotiate,” he said.

Under the MOU, Rostec agreed has assured it would buy more than one Indonesian export commodities such as rubber and its derivatives, crude palm oil and its derivatives, machineries, coffee and its derivatives, cacao and its detivatives, textile, tea, footwear, processed fish, furniture, copra, plasti. And its derivatives, resin, paper, spices, defense industrial products and others. (T/RS5/RS1)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)