National Police Chief Outlines Government's Strategic Response to Middle East Conflict Impact
National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo addressed the deteriorating situation in the Middle East during the Operasi Ketupat 2026 troop mobilisation ceremony at the National Monument in Central Jakarta. He highlighted the escalating conflict stemming from the war between the United States and Israel against Iran.
“Esteemed participants and honoured guests, as we are all aware, the current global situation demonstrates increasingly escalating tensions, ranging from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to the conflict involving Israel, the United States, and Iran,” said General Sigit in his remarks at the National Monument on Thursday, 12 March 2026.
General Sigit noted that the conflict has resulted in significant loss of life, including the death of Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei, and has triggered a series of military reprisals.
“Attacks against strategic infrastructure in other Middle Eastern countries, including attacks on Saudi Aramco oil refineries, oil storage facilities in Tehran and Alborz Province, as well as shopping districts and various public facilities in Beirut, Lebanon,” he stated.
The National Police Chief explained that this situation has implications for global oil price volatility, which impacts the stability of the global economy. Should conditions not improve, he continued, there is potential for the rupiah’s value to weaken.
“This could trigger increases in the prices of various commodities, reducing citizens’ purchasing power, raising inflation, and tightening fiscal policy measures that could potentially disrupt national economic stability,” he explained.
General Sigit noted that on 10 March 2026, global oil prices declined temporarily. However, the situation remains a cause for concern given that global conditions remain unstable.
“In responding to these dynamics, the government continues to pursue various diplomatic measures, emphasising a foreign policy of independence and non-alignment, in order to mitigate the impact of global escalation whilst promoting the creation of world peace,” he said.
In line with this approach, General Sigit continued, Indonesia is actively participating in various international diplomatic efforts, including promoting peace between Palestine and Israel through participation in the Board of Peace using a two-state solution approach, as involvement from formal institutions such as the United Nations is no longer being heeded.
“Indonesia is also willing to serve as a mediator in ending the conflict between Iran and Israel-America, whilst continuing to communicate with countries in the Gulf region, including ASEAN countries and Western nations to seek solutions to the ongoing conflict,” he stated.
General Sigit noted that on another front, the government is also pursuing strategic measures to maintain national stability, including strengthening trade diplomacy, which can create significant opportunities for national businesses and industries to continue driving economic growth and remain stable.
“Additionally, the government is taking measures to stabilise oil prices by providing subsidy assistance. According to Pertamina data, national fuel and liquefied petroleum gas stockpiles remain sufficient,” he said.
“Therefore, the public is urged to purchase fuel in accordance with their needs and refrain from panic buying. The various measures being undertaken by the government must of course receive our collective support,” he added.