Iran Partially Opens Strait of Hormuz: Status of Two Pertamina Ships in the Arabian Gulf

Iranian authorities, through their representative at the UN’s International Maritime Organization (IMO), Ali Mousavi, issued an official statement regarding the status of the Strait of Hormuz. Mousavi emphasised that the narrow waterway remains open to international shipping. However, ships considered enemies by Tehran are prohibited from passing through. “The Strait of Hormuz is open to everyone except ‘enemies’,” Mousavi stated, as quoted by Iran’s Mehr news agency and reported by Kompas.com on Sunday (22/3/2026). “The security of ships and all their crew requires coordination with Iranian authorities,” Mousavi added. He further noted that Iran is prepared to cooperate with the IMO and other countries to grant passage permissions through the Strait of Hormuz. Diplomacy and negotiation remain Tehran’s top priorities. Naturally, the Indonesian government must promptly respond to Iran’s decision at the IMO. Previously, the Indonesian government had negotiated with Iranian authorities regarding two Pertamina ships still detained in the Arabian Gulf, namely the PIS Gamsunoro and VLCC Pertamina Pride. “There are two ships, two cargoes. That is still under negotiation, insyaallah it will be resolved soon. It will be resolved soon. Pray for it,” explained Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia, as reported by Antara on Tuesday (10/3/2026). “As of 12 March 2026, the Pertamina Pride and Gamsunoro ships are still in the Arabian Gulf and have not been able to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Both are in safe condition and under intensive monitoring,” he clarified. The VLCC Pertamina Pride is tasked with fulfilling national energy needs, while Gamsunoro serves third parties (non-Pertamina). The G7 is prepared to take necessary steps there to facilitate ship traffic. “We reaffirm the importance of securing maritime routes, navigation safety, including in the Strait of Hormuz and all related critical waterways, as well as the safety and security of supply chains and energy market stability,” stated an official declaration from gov.uk on Saturday (21/3/2026). The G7 has repeatedly condemned the reckless attacks by the Iranian regime on civilians and civil infrastructure in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and Iraq, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2817.