Prabowo Summons Zulhas and Bahlil to Discuss Food Security and Energy Amid Middle East Crisis
President Prabowo Subianto convened a limited meeting with Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan and Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Monday 2 March, to discuss several issues relating to food security and energy, particularly following the escalating Middle East crisis.
Zulkifli and Bahlil arrived at the Presidential Palace around 15:30 WIB, several hours after President Prabowo led a military ceremony for the burial of the 6th Vice President Try Sutrisno at the National Heroes Cemetery in Jakarta on Monday 2 March.
When questioned by journalists, Zulkifli Hasan stated: “I do not yet know the full agenda. Since I am responsible for food matters, the meeting will likely discuss food security measures in anticipation of the aftermath of the Middle East conflict.” Zulhas, as he is commonly known, promised to provide more details following the conclusion of the meeting.
Meanwhile, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia explained that he would report on the current state of energy supplies, particularly following Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz for an indefinite period. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most vital chokepoints in Western Asia, particularly for oil-exporting nations supplying Asian markets.
Bahlil stated: “My report to the President will likely concern the current geopolitical situation, specifically the closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran, as this is also part of our anticipation regarding global oil supplies, given that we still conduct imports before the Islamic New Year.”
The combined assault by Israel and the United States on several Iranian locations late the previous week resulted in dozens of casualties, including schoolgirls at an all-girls madrasah, widespread destruction, and the deaths of several Iranian officials, including Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In response, the Iranian military fired missiles at American military bases and assets in neighbouring countries, including Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.