Foreign Ministry: Iranian Tanker Sailing in Indonesia Exercises UNCLOS Transit Rights

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The presence of Iranian vessels sailing in Indonesian waters after evading the US blockade in the Strait of Hormuz constitutes the exercise of the right of passage in accordance with international law, according to Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu). Spokesperson for Kemlu RI Yvonne Mewengkang stated that Indonesia has noted reports regarding the presence of foreign vessels in Indonesia, including the Iranian ships, and has conducted field verifications and internal coordination. “The Indonesian government views that these vessels are exercising their right of passage in accordance with international law,” said Yvonne in response to reporters’ questions in writing in Jakarta on Tuesday. She emphasised that navigation rules in any waters, including Indonesia, are subject to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which respects all passage regimes in each maritime zone. Yvonne also assured that Kemlu RI and relevant parties will continue to monitor developments and communicate through appropriate diplomatic channels. Meanwhile, a giant Iranian tanker (VLCC) carrying crude oil supplies worth nearly 220 million US dollars (Rp3.81 trillion) was detected sailing into Indonesian waters some time ago. According to the tanker movement monitoring agency TankerTrackers on Sunday (3/5), the supertanker owned by Iran’s National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC) successfully avoided the US Navy and reached Indonesian waters. The giant vessel identified as “HUGE” (9357183) was last seen off the coast of Sri Lanka more than a week ago. The vessel moved through the Lombok Strait in Indonesia towards the Riau Islands. On Monday (4/5), the same agency announced the entry of a second giant Iranian tanker into the Lombok Strait carrying crude oil from Iran. “The second tanker named DERYA (9569700) is doing the same,” TankerTrackers revealed on social media X. They explained that the vessel initially attempted to deliver 1.88 million barrels of oil to India in mid-April but it did not proceed. The vessel was then detected sailing south from India. TankerTrackers stated that after entering Indonesian waters, the DERYA also sailed towards the Riau Islands.