Foreign Ministry Follows Up on Iran's Positive Signals Regarding Two Pertamina Tanker Ships
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu) is following up on the positive response from the Iranian government in efforts to free two Pertamina tankers still detained in the Persian Gulf due to the war between the United States-Israel and Iran.
“Kemlu RI continues to coordinate intensively with all parties, including the Iranian Armed Forces and the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to follow up on the positive signals conveyed by the Iranian government regarding the Pertamina ships,” said Spokesperson II of Kemlu RI, Vahd Nabyl A. Mulachela, during a media briefing in Jakarta on Thursday.
He stated that this follow-up involves monitoring the condition of the two Pertamina ships and ensuring technical readiness so that the two tankers can sail smoothly once the green light is given.
The technical readiness in question includes, among other things, crew readiness and shipping insurance, said the Kemlu RI Spokesperson II.
Meanwhile, Nabyl explained that Indonesia continues to underscore the importance of maintaining the Strait of Hormuz as a safe, open area accessible to international shipping in accordance with international law.
Indonesia also rejects all forms of threats against merchant ships and asserts that the safety of seafarers must be the highest priority for all parties, especially in conflicts, he said.
In the meantime, Spokesperson I of Kemlu RI, Yvonne Mewengkang, emphasised that the issue of official airspace clearance or overflight clearance requested by the United States to cross Indonesian airspace has no impact on the ongoing negotiations with Iran.
“The process continues to proceed, and we are awaiting further details on the mechanism from the Iranian side,” said Yvonne.
In March, Kemlu RI had confirmed that the Iranian government responded positively to the Indonesian government’s request for the two Pertamina tankers still detained in the Strait of Hormuz to pass safely.
“There has been a positive response from the Iranian side,” said Nabyl regarding the results of intensive coordination carried out by Indonesia with all relevant parties in Iran regarding the Pertamina ships.
According to the Vessel Finder ship tracking website as of Saturday afternoon, the two tankers operating for Pertamina are still in the Persian Gulf area.
The Pertamina Pride ship was detected off the coast of Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia; while the Gamsunoro ship was recorded off the coast of Dubai, United Arab Emirates.