Russia Yet to Respond to Indonesia’s Barter Offer For 11 Sukhoi Su-35 Fighter Jets

Indonesia is waiting Russia’s decision to barter 11 Sukhoi fighter jets with Indonesian commodities including furniture, coffee and sugar, trade minister Enggartiasto Lukita said in Jakarta Monday.

"We give them time to discuss it internally," he said at the Presidential Palace compound. The offer includes defence equipment such as ships, Antara News reported.

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

"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. All main Indonesian commodities will be put in the list for Russia to choose from, 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.