Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport announced on March 3 that 60 international flights were cancelled between February 28 and March 3 due to the situation in Iran.
Following the US and Israeli military strikes against Iran, escalating tensions in the Middle East have significantly disrupted international flight operations in Jakarta. Soekarno-Hatta International Airport stated that the affected routes primarily consist of international flights to major Middle Eastern hubs, operated by several international airlines. For example, on March 3, cancellations were mainly concentrated on routes to Doha, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai.
Indonesia has the world's largest Muslim population. Statistics from the Indonesian Hajj and Umrah Ministry show that as of March 1, 6,047 Umrah participants had safely returned to Indonesia, while approximately 58,000 Indonesian Muslims were still performing Umrah activities in Saudi Arabia. With the Umrah season approaching, local public opinion is concerned that the continued tensions in the region may affect Muslims planning to travel to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj.
Soekarno-Hatta International Airport stated that direct flights to Saudi Arabia for the Vice-Korean mission are currently operating as scheduled.
The situation in the Middle East may also impact Indonesian exports. Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto stated that the situation in the Middle East and the threat of blocking the Strait of Hormuz could push up international oil prices. The specific impact on exports will depend on the duration of the conflict.
The president of the Indonesian Employers' Association, Sinta, stated that businesses are currently primarily concerned about rising energy prices and increased international logistics costs. Market sentiment is cautious due to the uncertainty surrounding the strategic Strait of Hormuz. (End)
