Jakarta. The Indonesian government is worried that the recent strikes on an Emirati oil refinery can deal a blow to the “broader energy security”.

A major fire erupted at the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone on Monday. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has blamed Iranian drones for the blaze on its key energy hub. Iranian media, citing an unnamed military source, claimed that Tehran did not have any role in the attack. Tehran also shifted the blame to “US military adventurism” aimed at creating a passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

In a statement, the Indonesian government “expressed its deep concern” over the attacks without pointing fingers at who was responsible for the fire.

“Such attacks risk further escalating tensions, undermining the ceasefire, and disrupting global energy supply chains and broader energy security,” the Indonesian Foreign Ministry said Wednesday.

“... with consequences extending well beyond the immediate region.”

Jakarta went on to repeat its calls for respect for the US-Iran ceasefire in full and maximum restraint. 

Trade Ministry data showed Indonesia’s oil and gas imports from the UAE totaled $384.7 million in January-March 2026. The figure had risen by more than half from $242.6 million registered the previous year. The large energy imports caused Jakarta to suffer an overall deficit of $62.3 million. The ministry did not share the volume of the purchases.

Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia had repeatedly stated that Jakarta would search for non-Middle Eastern sources for energy supplies as the Iran war has brought traffic in the Strait of Hormuz to a standstill. The vital maritime corridor carries a quarter of the global seaborne oil trade, and its closure has repeatedly sent global crude prices smashing through the $100-per-barrel barrier.

Two Indonesian vessels belonging to the state energy major Pertamina are still waiting for their Hormuz passage. To date, the list of Jakarta's suppliers to fill the gap left by the Middle East includes Russia and the US.

ASEAN chair, the Philippines, is hosting the group’s summit in Cebu this week. The Southeast Asian bloc is expected to discuss how it can defend itself from the war-fueled energy shocks. President Prabowo Subianto has received an invitation, but the government has yet to confirm his attendance. 

Regional tensions have soared after the US and Israel launched a joint military campaign against Iran in late February. 

It had also been less than a week since the UAE quit the world’s oil cartel OPEC. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Yvonne Mewengkang told reporters not long ago that the UAE’s departure “would not take a toll on [Indonesia’s] existing ties”.

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