US Military Blockade of the Strait of Hormuz: What Are the Impacts for Indonesia?

A lecturer from the International Relations Department at the University of Indonesia (UI), Asra Virgianita, assesses that the United States’ (US) efforts to blockade the Strait of Hormuz have the potential to trigger major upheavals. Asra states that such efforts could impact Indonesia’s economy. “The US action in blockading the Strait of Hormuz will certainly have a major impact, especially if it lasts a long time,” Asra told reporters on Wednesday (15/4/2026). Asra explains that the Strait of Hormuz is a vital route that channels around 20% of the world’s oil trade. Therefore, a blockade effort will directly affect the global oil market. “It will trigger volatility in global energy prices and inflation. Importing countries will be severely affected, of course,” she said. “Not only that, the blockade will certainly increase tensions between the conflicting parties (including their allies), which could lead to broader military escalation,” she added. She states that the subsequent impacts are also expected to be felt in Indonesia. Asra assesses that the rise in global energy prices will affect domestic fuel oil (BBM) prices. “If the situation lasts a long time, this will influence Indonesia’s exports, because the global economy will weaken, while on the other hand, import costs will rise,” she said. Furthermore, Asra states that the step taken by the US is part of coercive diplomacy to pressure Iran and its allies. However, she says, the effectiveness of this policy will greatly depend on the duration of its implementation. “The blockade carried out by Trump is part of coercive diplomacy as a form of pressure against Iran and its allies,” she explained. “What then becomes the question is how long this blockade will be carried out? Because, in any case, the economic impact of this blockade will also be felt by America itself, which will affect US public support for the Trump administration,” she added. The US military has begun implementing a blockade against ships from all countries heading to or leaving Iranian ports and coastal areas in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. US President Donald Trump stated that the measure aims to force Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic route that under normal conditions is passed by around one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas trade. “We cannot allow a country to hold the world to ransom,” Trump said when announcing the blockade at the White House. Trump also warned that Iranian warships approaching the blockade area would be destroyed. He said any Iranian ship that approaches would be “immediately eliminated.” According to US military officials, the blockade will be enforced against ships from all countries attempting to enter or leave Iranian ports. This step was taken after peace talks between Washington and Tehran failed to reach an agreement over the weekend.