Indonesia Remains Calm on Fuel Reserves Amidst Middle East Conflict

Jakarta – Indonesian officials are urging the public to remain calm regarding fuel oil (BBM) reserves following the recent U.S.-Israel attacks on Iran and escalating tensions in the Middle East. Despite the heightened geopolitical situation, authorities assert that Indonesia’s fuel supply remains stable.

Current Fuel Stock Levels

Eddy Soeparno, Deputy Chairman of the MPR RI, stated that Indonesia currently possesses a 20-day fuel stock and that the supply chain remains uninterrupted. He emphasized that Indonesia sources only 20% of its fuel from the Middle East, with the majority coming from countries unaffected by the current conflict.

Government Communication with Pertamina

Soeparno indicated that he will be contacting directors of Pertamina Patra Niaga to issue public appeals, particularly in regions experiencing fuel-buying rushes, to reassure citizens about the adequacy of reserves. This comes after reports of increased fuel purchases in areas like Central Aceh, where residents were observed queuing at gas stations and retail outlets, filling jerry cans with fuel.

Regional Fuel-Buying Activity

Viral videos on social media have shown residents in Central Aceh lining up at gas stations and Pertashop (minor-scale fuel outlets) carrying jerry cans of various sizes. Similar queues were reported at five gas stations in Banda Aceh City, causing minor traffic congestion.

Broader Regional Context

The U.S. And Israel launched widespread strikes on February 28th, targeting Iran’s missile infrastructure, military sites, and leadership. The BBC reports that the conflict has escalated quickly, drawing in neighboring countries like Cyprus and Lebanon, with mounting casualties and damage. Al Jazeera’s live tracker indicates preliminary figures of 1,332 deaths in Iran, at least 11 in Israel, six U.S. Soldiers, and nine deaths in Gulf states as of March 1, 2026.

Key Takeaways

• Indonesia maintains a 20-day fuel reserve.
• Only 20% of Indonesia’s fuel supply originates from the Middle East.
• The government is actively communicating with Pertamina to address public concerns.
• Increased fuel-buying activity has been observed in certain regions, prompting reassurance efforts.