Indonesia Begins Discussions on Technical Release of Two Ships from Strait of Hormuz

Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with PT Pertamina International Shipping (PIS), has begun discussing the technical aspects to enable the two Pertamina tankers, namely Pertamina Pride and Gamsunoro, to safely cross the Strait of Hormuz.

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with PT Pertamina International Shipping (PIS), has started discussions on the technical release of two Pertamina tankers still detained in the Strait of Hormuz, after Indonesia’s negotiation efforts received a positive response from Iran.

“PIS, together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is currently discussing the technicalities so that the two ships, namely Pertamina Pride and Gamsunoro, can safely cross the Strait of Hormuz,” said Acting Corporate Secretary of Pertamina International Shipping, Vega Pita, to ANTARA when contacted in Jakarta on Saturday.

Pertamina Pride operates to meet national energy needs, while Gamsunoro serves energy distribution for third parties.

Vega stated that for now, both ships are still in the Arabian Gulf/Persian Gulf. Pertamina’s priority is the safety of all crew members, as well as the security of the ships and their cargoes.

She also expressed appreciation and thanks to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia for its full support in handling the situation.

Since the closure of the Strait of Hormuz due to the war between the United States (US)-Israel and Iran, PIS has conducted intensive coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Additionally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has actively engaged in diplomatic communications with relevant authorities.

“Diplomatic efforts are ongoing to this day,” said Vega.

According to Spokesperson of the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vahd Nabyl A. Mulachela, the ministry, along with the Indonesian Embassy in Tehran, has been intensively coordinating with all relevant parties in Iran from the outset for the safety of the tankers.

“In its development, there has been a positive response from the Iranian side,” said Nabyl in response to ANTARA’s questions regarding the progress of negotiations on the Pertamina tankers in Jakarta on Friday (27/3).

Following the positive response conveyed by Tehran, follow-up steps have been taken by relevant parties on technical and operational aspects, said Nabyl, although no specific time has been given for when the tankers can exit the Strait of Hormuz.