Impact of Middle East Conflict: Kadin Urges Business World to Prepare Survival Strategies

Jakarta - The business world is striving to maintain corporate cash flows amid geopolitical turmoil between the United States (US), Israel, and Iran, which is pushing up global crude oil prices. Kadin Indonesia’s General Chairman Anindya Bakrie stated that the conflict in the Middle East presents an opportunity for Indonesian companies to undertake reforms. “Starting with tightening our belts,” he said when met at the Lebaran Open House event on Saturday (21/3/2026). “Because, after all, cash flow must be maintained. Energy prices are bound to rise,” he added. Anindya explained that petroleum is one of the raw materials for industrialisation. Therefore, companies directly involved in the energy sector must preserve their cash flows to keep businesses running smoothly. “So that if there is a temporary increase, they can still survive,” he added. “So, Kadin colleagues, both in regional Kadin and associations, are focusing on efficiency,” he said. Anin explained that medium- to long-term business transformation by directing companies towards sectors with higher added value is essential to increase resilience against global supply chain disruptions. “Because that means we need to be in a business that has added value so we’re not easily affected by global supply chain volatility,” he said. “But generally, number one is to work with the government to look at the options, and second is to carry out efficiency for the time being while we monitor developments in the Middle East,” Anindya concluded.