Foreign Minister's Remarks on Iran's Internal Issues Causing Pertamina Ships to Remain Detained

Two vessels from PT Pertamina International Shipping (PIS), namely Pertamina Pride and Gamsunoro, remain detained in the Strait of Hormuz due to the conflict between the United States and Israel with Iran. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu) states that it is continuing to coordinate to ensure the ships can pass safely.

Foreign Minister Sugiono explained that his office, along with the Pertamina team, is handling permits so that Indonesian ships can pass through the strategic route. However, the process is not straightforward due to the complex situation on the ground.

“The problem is becoming increasingly complex with the internal situation occurring in Iran itself,” said Sugiono during a discussion at the Office of the Presidential Staff (KSP), Bina Graha Building, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday (22/4/2026).

Sugiono added that policies issued by high-level authorities in Iran are not always immediately implemented on the ground. This has become one of the obstacles in the ongoing negotiation process.

“Because sometimes what is a policy from the top is not immediately implemented in the field. That is what is being sought for a solution,” he stated.

Additionally, Sugiono mentioned the United States’ blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, including the requirements that ships must meet to pass, which are still under discussion and negotiation.

“Then, of course, there is further development regarding the Hormuz blockade. Then there are also some developments related to the requirements for ships to pass and so on, which are still matters we are negotiating and discussing,” he said.

What is the progress on the passage of these two Pertamina ships? As compiled by detikcom, here are the efforts being undertaken by the Indonesian government.

On that occasion, Sugiono also outlined the results of an international conference initiated by France and the United Kingdom, which was attended virtually representing President Prabowo Subianto.

One important point from the conference was the rejection of any form of fees or tolls for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. According to him, such practices are considered contrary to the principle of freedom of navigation.

“Because that contradicts what is known as freedom of navigation. The Strait of Hormuz is controlled by Iran, but there is Oman, right, and then there is the UAE. So, for example, there are such practices being carried out there,” he said.

Furthermore, the conference also reaffirmed support for diplomatic efforts and political negotiations to ease tensions in the Strait of Hormuz region, involving several countries such as Iran, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. Sugiono assured that Indonesia is continuously monitoring the situation and prioritising diplomatic channels to ensure maritime safety and protect national interests.

“This conference states that it will continue to support efforts that are diplomatic in nature and political negotiations in order to resolve the tensions in the Strait of Hormuz,” he said.

Sugiono stated that Indonesia’s fuel oil (BBM) supply is safe despite the two Pertamina ships still being detained in the Strait of Hormuz due to the war between the US and Israel with Iran. He said that not all of Indonesia’s oil supplies pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

“What we all need to remember is that currently, one, our energy position is relatively safe as conveyed by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources. Then the supplies we receive also do not all go through Hormuz,” said Sugiono.

Sugiono provided an overview of the two Pertamina ships currently in the Strait of Hormuz. Based on the information received, both ships are carrying around 2 million barrels of crude oil.

He said that this amount is not significant compared to the total national energy needs. He hopes that all parties will view the energy issue proportionally.

“So the comparison is more or less like that. So that we don’t lose perspective. Don’t let a speck of dust across the ocean be visible but an elephant right under our nose not be seen,” said Sugiono.

Sugiono said he does not intend to downplay the problem occurring in the Strait of Hormuz. He stated that the government has been working to maintain BBM supplies.

“The government’s success in maintaining BBM supplies, energy supplies, is greater than what is currently stuck in Hormuz. Without intending to downplay this problem. But I want to place this in a proportional perception,” he said.

He mentioned that the government has sought alternative energy sources, including from Russia. He said that Pertamina also has oil fields in other countries.

“Well, other countries targeted of course Russia yesterday, and I think it is also a strategic alternative,” he said.

“Then some countries, I think Pertamina also has several fields in other places,” he added.