Internal Situation in Iran Hinders Two Indonesian Ships Still Detained in Strait of Hormuz

Foreign Minister Sugiono stated that the internal situation in Iran is causing two ships from PT Pertamina International Shipping (PIS) to remain detained in the Strait of Hormuz. “Sometimes, policies from the top are not immediately implemented on the ground. That is what we are seeking a solution for,” Sugiono explained during a press conference at the Presidential Staff Office (KSP) in Jakarta on Wednesday (22/4/2026). “That is still something we are negotiating and discussing,” Sugiono added. Although hindered by the situation there, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu) continues to negotiate so that the two ships carrying fuel oil can pass through. “Of course, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in this case our Embassy in Tehran, is also continuing discussions,” Sugiono said. In terms of maintaining national energy resilience, Sugiono said, the government will continue to seek alternative sources. “Then, the supplies we receive are not all through Hormuz,” added the Gerindra Party General Secretary. The two tankers still detained in the Arabian Sea are VLCC Pertamina Pride and Gamsunoro. VLCC Pertamina Pride is carrying a supply of crude oil (light crude oil) to meet domestic energy needs, while the Gamsunoro ship is serving third-party consumer cargo. “We are continuing intensive communication with the Iranian side, and collaboration between ESDM and Kemenlu is also ongoing. Let’s pray,” he said at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources in Jakarta on Monday (20/4/2026). Nevertheless, he declined to provide more details on the progress of the Indonesian government’s negotiations with Iran. “Because not everything has to be conveyed to the public. This involves geopolitics in such conditions. We can be open, but not too open,” explained Bahlil.