National Police Chief Discusses Middle East Conflict, Urges East Java Workers to Support Presidential Policy
National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo highlighted the escalating conflict in the Middle East between the United States, Israel and Iran during a Ramadan courtesy visit to workers in East Java. Speaking before a gathering of East Java labourers, General Sigit called upon all worker elements to unite in supporting the strategic policies of President Prabowo Subianto’s administration in managing the impacts of global economic disruption.
The National Police Chief’s Ramadan courtesy visit was held at the office of the East Java Regional Board of KSPSI (Indonesian Confederation of Workers Unions) on Jalan Raya Lontar Candi Lempung, Surabaya, on Tuesday, 10 March 2026. East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa and KSPSI President Andi Gani Nena Wea attended the event alongside regional board officials.
General Sigit was accompanied by several senior police officials from national headquarters, including Intelligence and Security Chief Yuda Gustawan, HR Deputy Irjen Anwar, Logistics Deputy Irjen Suwondo Nainggolan, Public Relations Chief Irjen Johnny Eddizon Isir, and Health Services Chief Irjen Asep Hendradiana. Also present were the Criminal Investigation Directorate Head serving as the Police Labour Task Force Head Brigadier General Moh Irhamni, East Java Police Chief Irjen Nanang Avianto, senior East Java Police officials, and regional police commanders.
In his remarks, General Sigit underscored the global situation, particularly the Middle East conflict. The escalation of war between Israel, the United States and Iran has intensified since the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He cautioned that the Middle East conflict will not end in the near term.
“Therefore, we must prepare ourselves for the possibility that this war could continue for a considerable period. This is certainly something that must be anticipated,” General Sigit stated.
General Sigit expressed global concerns about surging crude oil prices, which have begun to approach 100 US dollars per barrel due to attacks on energy facilities in the Gulf region. He noted that this situation places a significant burden on the state budget, as Indonesia remains dependent on oil imports.
“This inevitably becomes a major task for the government to ensure that oil prices remain manageable. Of course, this requires substantial subsidies. Therefore, we need the support and prayers of all of you so that the government can maintain price stability amid global turbulence,” General Sigit said.
The National Police Chief emphasised that President Prabowo continues to pursue active independent political diplomacy to promote global peace whilst protecting domestic industry. Several strategic measures undertaken include promoting food and energy self-sufficiency, as well as industrial downstream development to create new employment opportunities for workers affected by the global situation.
“We must be able to stand on our own feet. President Prabowo continues to push for downstream development to protect our industries, such as the footwear, textile and semiconductor sectors, so that workers are not affected by global economic slowdown,” he explained.
As a concrete demonstration of support for worker welfare, General Sigit issued special instructions to the police health and medical services. He ensured that all police hospitals will now provide healthcare services to workers.
“I have instructed the Health Services Chief to ensure that when workers need healthcare services at our hospitals, provide maximum service,” Sigit stated, drawing enthusiastic applause from attendees.
Beyond healthcare, the police also strengthened the Labour Task Force to provide legal assistance and support in resolving industrial problems. The National Police Chief emphasised that the police are committed to helping workers obtain their rights without criminalisation, to maintain a conducive investment climate.
During the event, the National Police Chief also distributed assistance to orphaned children, distributed 2,000 food assistance packages to workers, and presented one operational vehicle unit and sound system equipment to support the activities of the East Java Regional Board of KSPSI.