Iranian Tanker Breaches Strait of Hormuz and Tracked in Indonesia, Foreign Ministry Responds
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - The Indonesian government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu), has finally provided an official response regarding reports of the presence of several Iranian-owned tankers detected in Indonesian waters, particularly in the Lombok Strait area.
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Yvonne Mewengkang, stated that the government has noted the report and is currently undertaking intensive on-site monitoring measures.
“Indonesia has noted the report regarding the presence of foreign vessels in Indonesian waters. The Indonesian government is conducting field verification and continuing internal coordination,” Yvonne said in a written statement to the media on Tuesday (5/5/2026).
In response to public concerns about the legality of the vessels’ presence, Yvonne emphasised that navigation in Indonesian waters is fully subject to international maritime law, namely the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982.
Based on the government’s initial assessment, the presence of these tankers is considered to be within the framework of international law.
“Navigation rules in any waters, including Indonesia, are subject to UNCLOS 1982, which respects all transit regimes in each maritime zone. The government views that these vessels are exercising their transit rights in accordance with international law,” Yvonne added.
Nevertheless, the Foreign Ministry assured that it will not stand idly by. Coordination among domestic institutions continues to be strengthened to ensure no violations of sovereignty or marine environmental regulations occur.
“We will continue to monitor this situation and communicate through appropriate diplomatic channels,” she concluded.
The presence of Iranian tankers in Indonesian waters has come under sharp scrutiny after reports that they successfully breached the tight blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. Based on vessel tracking data, several large Tehran-owned tanker fleets were detected entering Indonesian territory via the Lombok Strait in early May 2026.
The appearance of these vessels has sparked speculation regarding geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and how Indonesia positions itself amid international pressures. The Lombok Strait itself is a strategic international sea lane (ALKI II), which is frequently traversed by giant tankers unable to pass through the Malacca Strait.
With this official statement, the Foreign Ministry has affirmed that as long as these vessels comply with peaceful passage or transit rules under UNCLOS, Indonesia will continue to respect international navigation rights while remaining vigilant through field verification.