Jusuf Kalla Highlights Impact of Iran War: Oil Prices Could Rise, Fuel Supply Threatened
Jakarta – Former Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla has assessed that the United States and Israeli military attacks on Iran could drive up global oil prices and trigger fuel shortages in Indonesia.
“Oil prices will certainly rise. That’s the first thing,” Kalla said in Jakarta on Sunday (13/2026).
He argued that oil prices would increase because access to oil imports from the Middle East passing through Iran would be cut off.
“Yes, we typically import oil from the Middle East because we have a shortage. Now it will definitely stop. So, our economy will be hit there,” he stated.
He explained that supplies would likely cease because Iran has also attacked Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.
“Iran attacked Kuwait, Doha (Qatar) and Dubai (UAE) because American military bases are located there. The effects will reach those countries. All of that will happen. Today it may not be noticeable, but in a week it will be felt,” he said.
For this reason, he warned the Indonesian government to exercise caution. If attacks on Iran continue for the next month, he cautioned, the impact on fuel stocks in Indonesia would be severe.
“Our average supply reserves are three weeks. So, after that there might still be supplies in Singapore. However, supplies from Saudi Arabia, Iran or Kuwait are now definitely cut off,” he explained.
Previously, Israel launched attacks on Iran on 28 February 2026. On a separate occasion, US President Donald Trump stated that American military forces had begun large-scale combat operations in Iran.
One joint US-Israeli strike comprised seven rockets that struck Tehran and areas near the residence of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Subsequently, Iran launched rocket attacks against Israel and various targets in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.
The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that President Prabowo Subianto was prepared to travel to Iran to facilitate dialogue in an effort to restore a secure and conducive security environment.
On 1 March 2026, the Iranian government confirmed the death of Ali Khamenei and announced a 40-day period of mourning and one week of work suspension.