Prabowo Summons Bahlil and Zulkifli Hasan to Discuss Potential Impact of Middle East Conflict

Jakarta — President Prabowo Subianto summoned Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan and Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia for a limited meeting at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Monday to discuss several issues related to food and energy security, particularly following the Middle East crisis.

Zulkifli and Bahlil arrived at approximately 15:30 Western Indonesia Time at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, several hours after President Prabowo led military funeral rites for the 6th Vice President Try Sutrisno at the National Heroes Cemetery (TMP) Kalibata in Jakarta on Monday (2 March 2026).

“I don’t yet know the full agenda. Since I’m responsible for food matters and the Kopdes, the meeting will likely discuss food supply contingencies following the Middle East conflict,” Zulkifli Hasan told journalists.

Zulhas, as he is commonly called, promised to provide more detailed information about the discussion after the meeting concluded.

“I’ll explain after the meeting,” he said.

Meanwhile, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia explained that he would brief the President on current conditions in the energy sector, particularly following the Iranian Navy’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz for an indefinite period. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the vital chokepoints in the Western Asia region, particularly for oil-exporting countries shipping to destinations in Asia.

“My report to the President will likely address current conditions and geopolitical considerations, particularly the closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran, as this also affects our anticipation of global oil supplies, since we continue to conduct imports before the Ramadan period,” Bahlil told journalists.