Jusuf Kalla warns that US and Israeli attacks on Iran could cause fuel shortages in Indonesia
Former Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, Jusuf Kalla, believes that attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran could drive global oil prices up and cause fuel shortages in Indonesia.
“Oil prices will certainly rise. Absolutely, that is the first thing,” Kalla stated in Jakarta on Sunday.
He assessed that oil prices could increase because access to oil imports from the Middle East passing through Iran would be cut off. “We usually import oil from the Middle East because we have a shortage. Now it will certainly stop. So our economy will be impacted there,” he said.
He explained that supplies would likely be halted because Iran has also attacked Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. “Iran attacked Kuwait, Doha (Qatar), and Dubai (UAE) because there are American military bases there. The effect reaches those countries. That is what will happen to all of them. One day this does not seem to be felt, but within a week it will be felt,” he stated.
Because of this, he cautioned the Indonesian government to be careful, as if attacks on Iran continue for another month, it would impact fuel stocks in Indonesia. “On average, our reserves last three weeks. So after that there might still be some in Singapore. However, supplies from Saudi, Iran, or Kuwait will certainly be cut off now,” he said.
Previously, Israel launched an attack on Iran on 28 February 2026. In a separate statement, US President Donald Trump stated that the US military had commenced major combat operations in Iran. One of the US and Israeli attacks involved seven rockets that struck Tehran near the residence of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Subsequently, Iran launched a rocket attack on Israel and several other targets in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain. The Indonesian Foreign Ministry stated that President Prabowo Subianto was ready to depart for Iran to facilitate dialogue to restore conducive security conditions. On 1 March 2026, the Iranian government confirmed the death of Ali Khamenei and announced 40 days of mourning and a week of work suspension.