Infrastructure challenges amid the Iran–US–Israel conflict

Jakarta, KOMPAS.com - The Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development (IPK), Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), highlighted the challenges of national infrastructure development amid the escalation of conflict in the Middle East, involving Iran, the United States and Israel. He argued that the current global geopolitical situation could have direct and indirect impacts on energy security and the world economy, including Indonesia. The remarks were delivered after AHY attended the World Engineering Day (WED) event in Jakarta on Wednesday, 4 March 2026. ‘Actually, this is a difficult period for the world and, ironically during the holy month of Ramadan which we honour and revere, wars and conflicts are underway, with casualties and destruction especially in the Middle East. And all of this will certainly bring direct and indirect impacts,’ he said. He noted that the situation not only affects Indonesia but also global stability. ‘Economically, last night we discussed the potential serious disruptions to energy security. Of course, not only for Indonesia but for the world,’ he added. According to AHY, the situation underscored the importance of national self-reliance as emphasised by President Prabowo Subianto. This points to aspects of food security, energy security, and water security. He assessed that water issues often receive insufficient attention, even though they play a fundamental role in life and development. ‘People are not always aware that water problems are fundamental. In dry seasons we have less water, drought, crop failure, and inadequate supplies for households. In the rainy season, especially with extreme rainfall, we face floods, and so on. And our water quality is often not good enough for consumption,’ he explained. AHY stressed that the government would continue to guard this self-reliance agenda, especially if there are shocks to global energy prices as a result of the conflict. ‘Therefore, we focus on safeguarding the self-reliance mentioned. And if there are shocks to world energy prices, for example, we must have the right steps,’ he said. He also admitted that the escalation of the Middle East conflict is difficult to predict in duration or impact. Nevertheless, Indonesia must remain prepared to face various possibilities.