Jokowi Warns Regional Heads to be Prepared for Rising World Oil Prices

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has warned Indonesia's acting regional heads to be prepared for rising world oil prices due to the ongoing war between the Palestinian militant group Hamas and Israel.

Even though the conflict is centred in Gaza, which is far from Indonesia, he reminded all regional heads to be careful since it could spread and involve Lebanon, Syria, and Iran.

"All countries want to help (in the war). This is resulting in an increase in oil prices. All countries will face challenges," he underlined during a briefing with all regional heads at the State Palace on Monday, October 30, 2023.

However, so far, the increase in crude oil prices has not been significant since the escalation of the war has not spread to other regions, he noted.

Besides the war in the Gaza Strip, the head of state also drew attention to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, which has affected global food supplies.

After his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kiev and with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow last year, Widodo informed that the war had resulted in the postponed distribution of 207 million tons of wheat from the two countries.

The war also sent wheat prices soaring. Several countries were also concerned about a drought amid increasing global food prices, he added.

For this matter, the President asked the acting regional heads to remain alert and monitor global conditions. This would allow them to formulate or adopt the best policies that are in the interests of their people.

"You need to understand the world's current situation. If the fuel price is rising, inflation will also increase followed by an increase in goods and services prices," he explained.

He highlighted that seven Indonesian provinces have also been affected by the El Nino phenomenon, which has caused a prolonged drought and failed food production.

"We must beware of this condition. This is not a normal situation," he emphasized.

The meeting was attended by 37 acting mayors, 133 acting district heads, and 23 acting governors across Indonesia.

The meeting was also joined by Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian and Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati.

ANTARA

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