Bahlil Assures Pertamina Vessels Will Soon Be Released from the Arabian Gulf

Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has assured that two cargo vessels belonging to Pertamina that are trapped in the Arabian Gulf will soon be released from the region, following negotiation processes that he believes will be completed shortly.

“There are two vessels, two cargoes. That is still under negotiation. God willing it will be done soon. Let’s pray,” said Bahlil at the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry in Jakarta on Tuesday, 10 March 2026.

On Monday (2/3), Pertamina International Shipping reported that four vessels were in the Middle East region: the Gamsunoro, which was undergoing loading at Khor al Zubair, Iraq; the Pertamina Pride, which had completed loading and was now anchored at Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia; the PIS Rinjani, currently anchored at Khor Fakkan, United Arab Emirates; and the PIS Paragon, which was discharging in Oman.

The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that it continues dialogue with Iranian authorities to ensure the safety of two Pertamina tankers detained in the Strait of Hormuz due to tensions between Iran and the United States-Israel coalition.

On Tuesday (10/3), Pertamina International Shipping reported that of the four vessels operating in the Middle East region, two vessels have already departed the conflict area: the PIS Rinjani and the PIS Paragon.

Currently, two vessels remain operating in the Middle East region: the VLCC Pertamina Pride and the Gamsunoro, which are in the Arabian Gulf. These vessels are awaiting a safe situation to exit through the Strait of Hormuz. Both are reported to be in safe condition.

The Gamsunoro is serving cargo owned by third-party customers, whilst the VLCC Pertamina Pride is on a mission to transport crude oil supplies (light crude oil) to meet domestic energy requirements.