JAKARTA, March 20 (Xinhua) — Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has directed his cabinet to implement targeted energy efficiency measures across key sectors to bolster national energy resilience, a senior official announced Thursday, as concerns mount over potential disruptions to oil supplies stemming from escalating conflicts in the Middle East.
The directive followed a meeting at the Presidential Palace where President Prabowo received briefings from ministers regarding strategies to secure Indonesia’s energy supply. Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya stated that the President emphasized “strategic steps for energy savings to safeguard domestic energy stability.”
Ministers in attendance included Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa, State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, and Investment and Downstream Industry Minister Rosan Perkasa Roeslani, signaling the cross-governmental importance of the initiative.
The Presidential Secretariat indicated that the planned measures are designed to maintain a sustainable energy supply and protect economic stability. Coordination between ministries will be crucial to ensure the policies are effective, targeted, and do not negatively impact economic activity, according to the statement.
President Prabowo’s call for energy efficiency comes amid growing international anxieties over the potential for wider regional conflict following an escalation in tensions in the Middle East. On February 28, 2026, airstrikes conducted by the United States and Israel in Iran resulted in the deaths of several Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to reports.
Earlier this month, Prabowo warned Indonesians to prepare for difficult times as a result of the Middle East conflict, stating that major global powers engaged in conflict could draw other nations into difficult situations. “Due to the war in the Middle East, we must be prepared to face difficulties,” Prabowo said during the virtual inauguration of 218 bridges on March 9, 2026. He further indicated he would address the nation directly in the near future to provide a comprehensive explanation of the challenges ahead.
Foreign Affairs Minister Sugiono affirmed on March 4, 2026, that the Indonesian Ambassador in Tehran had been instructed to begin preparations for the potential evacuation of Indonesian citizens wishing to return home, though he noted that not all Indonesians in Iran had requested repatriation. Sugiono also stated he had communicated with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, expressing Indonesia’s regret over the failure of negotiations and reaffirming the importance of respecting territorial integrity and returning to the negotiating table.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also discussed the escalating tensions in the Middle East with President Prabowo Subianto in a phone conversation, focusing on strengthening bilateral ties and addressing regional developments, according to official sources.
The Indonesian government has not yet detailed the specific energy efficiency measures under consideration, but the Presidential Secretariat confirmed that further announcements are expected as the situation in the Middle East evolves.
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