At Harvard, JK Highlights Global Conflict Impact on Indonesia's Economy

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Indonesia's 10th and 12th Vice President Jusuf Kalla (JK) highlighted the impact of global geopolitical conflicts on Indonesia's economy.

"Indonesia also cannot avoid the repercussions of this situation," JK stated at Harvard University in the United States, as quoted from his press statement on Friday (23/10/2026).

JK delivered a lecture titled Leadership Amidst Uncertainty: Lessons from Experience at the Belfer Case Study Room, CGIS South, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, on Thursday (22/10/2026) local time.

The lecture was attended by students from Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Boston University, and several other higher education institutions in the New England area.

The Russia-Ukraine war and tensions in the Middle East have the potential to disrupt oil and commodity supplies, trigger price increases, and strain purchasing power.

"The current global uncertainty is significantly influenced by wars in various regions. The Russia-Ukraine conflict and tensions in the Middle East, including those involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, affect the world economy," JK explained.

He noted that geopolitical dynamics not only influence inter-state relations but also impact economic stability and people's livelihoods.

According to him, conflicts that disrupt oil and other commodity supplies can lead to price increases.

This situation could further burden the economy of the populace, especially if rising prices are not matched by an improvement in purchasing power.

"We cannot view global issues as something distant from people's lives. When supply is disrupted and prices rise, it is the people who feel the direct impact," JK emphasized.

Leaders Must Understand Global Situations

Therefore, JK believes that leaders need the ability to read global situations, make decisions, and anticipate the effects of crises that transcend national borders.

He stated that such capabilities are necessary for leaders to respond to global uncertainties while considering their effects on the domestic economy.

The lecture at Harvard University is part of JK's academic agenda in the United States.

Previously, JK participated in the Vice President Kalla Lecture Series at Northern Illinois University (NIU), DeKalb, Illinois.

After his agenda at Harvard, JK is scheduled to continue his academic activities at the MacMillan Center, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, on Friday (23/10/2026).