Expert proposes Indonesia import oil from US in response to Middle East conflict

Jakarta – An energy expert from Padjadjaran University (Unpad), Yayan Satyakti, has proposed that Indonesia immediately import crude oil from the United States to respond to the conflict in the Middle East region.

“The most concrete step is to immediately execute the Trump Deal. That Indonesia will import crude oil from the US,” said Yayan when contacted by ANTARA in Jakarta on Monday.

According to Yayan, this measure could be taken by Indonesia to reduce uncertainty regarding the fate of crude oil and petroleum fuel (BBM) supplies imported from the Middle East.

Yayan believes that logistical movement from the United States through the Asia-Pacific region is relatively safer when compared with the Middle East.

“If using the Asia-Pacific route, it seems safe, without using the Middle East route,” said Yayan.

Previously, Israel and the US launched attacks against Iran on Saturday, 28 February 2026. This was the second attack conducted under US President Donald Trump’s administration since June 2025.

Trump stated that American forces launched a major military operation in Iran to protect its people by eliminating what he described as threats from Iran’s alleged development of nuclear weapons.

The United States and Iran had previously held three rounds of indirect negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme, mediated by Oman. The first and second rounds were held early this month in Muscat and Geneva, focusing on limiting uranium enrichment and Iran’s uranium stockpiles in exchange for the removal of sanctions.

The third round of negotiations took place on Thursday, 26 February 2026 in Geneva, amid escalating tensions in the region.