JK Warns Israel-US Attacks on Iran Could Impact Fuel Supply and Trade

Former Vice President Jusuf Kalla has cautioned that the escalating conflict between the United States and Israel against Iran could bring serious economic consequences for Indonesia, particularly concerning oil prices.

“First, of course, oil prices will rise. That will certainly be first,” Jusuf Kalla told journalists in Jakarta on Sunday, 1 March 2026.

He added that logistics chains between Indonesia and the Middle East region are now disrupted. This includes flights from the Middle East to Indonesia, including umrah pilgrims in the Holy Land.

“Logistics between the Middle East and us are now completely severed. Currently hundreds of thousands of Indonesians, including tens of thousands who went for umrah pilgrimage, cannot return,” said Jusuf Kalla.

On the other hand, he believes relentless pressure on the energy sector will continue. The psychological impact on global markets is also beginning to be felt, as all parties currently experience the same fear.

“Our exports to Europe will certainly face problems because fear is spreading everywhere, everyone is preparing accordingly,” explained Jusuf Kalla.

He noted that Indonesia still depends on oil imports from the Middle East. Therefore, Indonesia currently finds itself in a vulnerable position if the conflict becomes prolonged.

“The problem is that we usually import oil from the Middle East because we have a shortage. Now it will definitely stop. So our economy will be hit there. We must be careful within a short timeframe if this drags on. Hopefully it ends quickly,” hoped JK.

He explained that globally the logistics system is now hampered, particularly the import-export routes from the Middle East to various regions. This means the import-export logistics system from the Middle East to the south and to the north has become problematic.

“We, for instance, are in the south experiencing such difficulties,” clarified JK.

He warned that the national fuel supply could be disrupted in the near term. Even in the short term if stockpiles become depleted.

“Be careful about fuel shortages within perhaps a month. We may have supplies, our average supply is three weeks,” said JK. “After that there may still be supplies in Singapore, but supplies from Saudi Arabia, from Iran, from Kuwait are now certainly cut off,” said Jusuf Kalla.