Indonesia engages in dialogue with Iran to secure Pertamina tankers in the Strait of Hormuz

Jakarta — The Indonesian Foreign Ministry (Kemlu) confirms that it continues to dialogue with Iranian authorities to ensure the safety of two Pertamina tankers detained in the Strait of Hormuz due to tensions between Iran and the United States and Israel. According to Santo Darmosumarto, Director-General for Asia-Pacific and Africa at Kemlu RI, the situation in the region, which remains hot and not yet conducive, necessitates increased coordination and communication with the host government. “Regarding the Pertamina tankers, this is being followed up by colleagues at the Indonesian Embassy in Tehran because dialogue must be conducted with the Iranian government,” Santo said at a media briefing in Jakarta on Friday. Diplomatic and coordination efforts continue with various stakeholders in Iran to ensure Pertamina’s interests in the Strait of Hormuz remain safe amid the heated conflict, he added. The Director-General also affirmed that these steps are intended so that the Pertamina tankers affected can eventually pass through the Strait of Hormuz safely. He acknowledged that the dynamics of the Middle East conflict can have significant impacts on Indonesia, given that the countries in the region are important trading partners for Indonesia. Therefore, besides enhancing coordination regarding the protection of Indonesian nationals in the region, Kemlu RI also intensifies communications with relevant parties to study and seek a way out of possible impacts of the Middle East conflict on Indonesia. On Wednesday (4 March), Energy and Mineral Resources Minister (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia said the government is pursuing negotiations to release two Pertamina-owned tankers that are still in the Strait of Hormuz. “There are two cargoes trapped in the Strait of Hormuz, belonging to Pertamina. The ships are now docked to seek a safer place, while we conduct negotiations,” Bahlil said after breaking fast at the Ministry of ESDM, Jakarta, Wednesday night (4 March). Bahlil noted that the two tankers trapped in the Strait of Hormuz do not threaten Indonesia’s energy security, as Indonesia is quickly seeking energy alternatives in the United States. Pertamina has also confirmed the safety of its crew amid the ongoing war between the United States and Israel and Iran in the Middle East.