Foreign Minister: Positive signals in negotiations for Indonesian ships to cross Strait of Hormuz

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia’s Foreign Minister (Menlu) Sugiono stated that the dialogue and negotiation process is still ongoing, with indications of positive signals for Indonesian ships to cross the Strait of Hormuz.

“This is still being discussed and negotiated,” said Foreign Minister Sugiono in a press statement in Tokyo, Japan, on Monday.

When asked further if there had been any positive developments regarding the matter, the Foreign Minister mentioned that positive signals have emerged, although further implementation is still awaited.

“There are positive signals; we’ll see how the execution goes,” he said.

The Indonesian government is coordinating with relevant stakeholders regarding Iran through the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in Tehran to ensure the safety of the ship and its Indonesian crew whenever possible.

Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Vahd Nabyl A Mulachela stated on Friday (27/3) that a positive response had been received from the Iranian side.

Following the positive response conveyed by Tehran, follow-up steps have been taken by relevant parties on technical and operational aspects. However, Nabyl said that a definite timeline cannot yet be provided for when the tanker can exit the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, PT Pertamina International Shipping (PIS) stated that it is preparing technical and administrative aspects so that the two ships, namely Pertamina Pride and Gamsunoro, can cross the Strait of Hormuz safely.

“Our priority remains the safety of all crew members, as well as the security of the ship and its cargo. We ask for prayers and support from all Indonesian people so that this process can run well,” said Vice President of Corporate Communication at Pertamina, Muhammad Baron.