Head of Bappisus Assures Indonesia's Economy Remains Strong Despite Rising Oil Prices and Dollar Amid Middle East Conflict
JAKARTA — The Head of the Special Development Monitoring and Investigation Agency (Bappisus), Aries Marsudiyanto, has assured Indonesia’s economy remains strong despite rising oil prices and the weakening rupiah against the US dollar as a result of Middle East conflict.
He called on the public not to worry, stating that everything would be fine.
“Everything has been calculated. In principle, Indonesia’s economy is strong, there is no need to worry. Regarding the geopolitical turmoil between America, Israel, and Iran,” said Aries at the Presidential Palace Complex in Central Jakarta on Tuesday.
He stated that the government had already anticipated the rise in these major commodities.
President Prabowo has been continuously convening all relevant ministers and heads of agencies.
“It has been anticipated. With all relevant ministries involved. The President has also gathered everyone. We hold all-out meetings at all times for the nation and state,” he explained.
Furthermore, he assured that subsidised fuel prices would not increase until after the Eid al-Fitr celebration in 1447 H/2026 M. Meanwhile, non-subsidised fuel prices will follow market mechanisms as stated by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia.
“No (increase), as the Minister already mentioned. There is no increase in fuel prices. Hopefully the conflict ends soon. All preparations are calculated and evaluated,” said Aries.
He further emphasised that President Prabowo Subianto understands what policies need to be implemented to overcome the crisis.
For context, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have put pressure on global oil prices and caused the rupiah to weaken against the US dollar. The turmoil saw global oil prices breach USD 100 per barrel since Sunday (8 March 2026). Meanwhile, at the start of trading on Monday (9 March 2026), the rupiah fell to Rp 17,000 per dollar. After the sharp rise, US President Donald Trump stated that the war between the US and Iran would soon end.