Foreign Ministry Urges Iran to Guarantee Security of Pertamina Tanker Routes Through the Strait of Hormuz
The Indonesian Foreign Ministry (Kemlu) has intensified dialogue with Iranian authorities to ensure the safety of two Pertamina International Shipping (PIS) tankers detained in the Strait of Hormuz, following rising security tensions in the region amid a dispute between Iran and the United States and Israel.
Aspasaf Director General for Asia Pacific and Africa, Santo Darmosumarto, said the conditions in the region, which remain unstable, require strengthened coordination with local authorities. The Indonesian Embassy in Tehran is currently at the forefront of direct negotiations to safeguard the national strategic assets.
“Regarding the Pertamina tankers, this is being followed up by our colleagues at the Indonesian Embassy in Tehran because dialogue must be conducted with the Iranian government,” Santo told reporters on Friday (6/3). The diplomatic effort is aimed so that the tankers can eventually traverse the Strait of Hormuz safely.
Santo affirmed that the dynamics of the Middle East conflict have a significant impact on domestic interests, given the region’s role as an important trading partner for Indonesia. Indonesia does not align with any side but calls for an end to violence and respect for international law.
High-level diplomatic communications have been conducted. The Indonesian President has reportedly communicated with leaders of the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Jordan. Meanwhile, the Foreign Minister continues to coordinate with counterparts in Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
At the same time, various international or regional organisations have already issued statements or are in the process of issuing statements. “In those forums, where Indonesia is part of regional or multilateral bodies, we are also actively voicing Indonesia’s position in joint statements that will be delivered,” Santo said. “What we want to achieve is a peaceful settlement based on international law.”
The government is pursuing negotiations to release the two Pertamina International Shipping (PIS) tankers still in the Hormuz area. Pertamina is monitoring the two tankers in the Strait of Hormuz closely in light of the Iran-US tensions to ensure adequate fuel stocks ahead of Ramadan and Eid, even as global dynamics tense.
See the full chronology of the IRGC attack on a US tanker and the complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz that triggered a global energy crisis in 2026.
Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz escalated after the IRGC attacked a US oil tanker. The global energy route risks paralysis, with world oil prices expected to surge.
Fatih Birol, head of the International Energy Agency (IEA), calmed fears of a global oil crisis amid the Middle East conflict in the wake of the Strait’s closure.
Economist Josua Pardede warned that closing the strategic Strait of Hormuz could add pressure on the rupiah due to rising oil prices.
Iran denies claims of closing the Strait of Hormuz and accuses the United States of violating international law after the sinking of the Dena frigate in the Indian Ocean that killed 100 sailors.