Foreign Minister Reveals Challenges in Negotiations for Pertamina Ship in Strait of Hormuz, Iran Imposes Conditions
Foreign Minister Sugiono has provided an update on the negotiations concerning the Pertamina ship still detained in the Strait of Hormuz. He emphasised that diplomatic efforts are being intensified despite the situation on the ground not proceeding smoothly.
Negotiations are being conducted intensively by the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Tehran together with the team from PT Pertamina (Persero), particularly regarding permits for Indonesian ships to pass through that strategic route.
“Regarding the negotiations for the Pertamina ship in the Strait of Hormuz. Of course, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in this case our Embassy in Tehran, continues to engage in discussions. And also together with the Pertamina team regarding the passage permits for our ships in the Strait of Hormuz,” said Sugiono at the KSP Office, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday, 22 April 2026.
Sugiono revealed that internal dynamics in Iran are one of the negotiation obstacles. In addition, he continued, the Iranian government’s policies often do not align with implementation in the field, thus complicating the permitting process.
“The problem is becoming increasingly complex with the internal situation occurring in Iran itself. Because sometimes what becomes the policy from above is not immediately implemented in the field. That is what is being sought for a resolution,” said Sugiono.
On the other hand, the latest developments regarding the potential blockade of the Strait of Hormuz are adding pressure. Several new conditions for ships wishing to pass have also emerged and are still in the negotiation stage by the Indonesian government.
“Then of course there are further developments about the Hormuz blockade. And also there are some developments related to conditions for ships to pass and so on, which are still matters that we are negotiating and discussing,” explained Sugiono.
Previously reported, PT Pertamina International Shipping (PIS) stated that two of its ships, Pertamina Pride and Gamsunoro, are still in the Arabian Gulf and have not been able to cross the Strait of Hormuz amid a dynamic security situation.
“Both PIS ships, namely Pertamina Pride and Gamsunoro, are currently still in the Arabian Gulf and have not been able to cross the Strait of Hormuz. PIS continues to closely monitor the very dynamic developments in the Strait of Hormuz,” said Acting Corporate Secretary of PIS, Vega Pita, in his statement quoted by Antara, on Sunday, 19 April 2026.