Latest Update on Two Indonesian Tankers Detained in the Strait of Hormuz
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Hopes for the smooth passage of Pertamina ships through the Strait of Hormuz are showing positive signals, in line with the intensive diplomatic efforts undertaken by the government. Indonesia has consistently emphasised the importance of keeping the strategic strait safe and open for all international shipping.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Vahd Nabyl Mulachela stated that Indonesia firmly rejects any form of threat to merchant vessels transiting the area. According to him, the safety of seafarers must remain the top priority amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East region.
“Indonesia continues to assert that it is important to ensure this strait remains safe, open, and accessible to international shipping in accordance with international regulations and laws,” Vahd said during a Foreign Ministry press conference in Jakarta on Wednesday (16/04/2026).
The Indonesian government, through its representatives, continues to monitor the technical readiness of the ships to ensure the transit through the Strait of Hormuz proceeds without security obstacles. Intensive coordination is ongoing with various Iranian authorities to follow up on the positive signals regarding permission for the international shipping route.
These diplomatic steps involve direct communication with the Iranian Armed Forces and the Iranian Foreign Ministry on a regular basis. This is crucial to ensure that Pertamina’s ships and other merchant vessels can transit the Strait of Hormuz smoothly and safely in accordance with procedures.
“We will continue to monitor and ensure technical readiness, including crew preparedness, insurance, and so on, so that both ships can pass through smoothly,” Vahd explained.
Regarding the reasons for the detention of the ships, the ministry clarified that no issues were found related to the use of the ship flags or other administrative matters. The government’s primary focus at present is to ensure the smooth progress of the ongoing permitting process on the ground so that the ships can resume normal operations as soon as possible.
The government also assures that there are no communication barriers between Pertamina and Indonesian representatives in handling this shipping crisis. The entire diplomatic team continues to strive for the country’s assets to proceed with their journey without any prolonged geopolitical disruptions.
“The permitting process is still ongoing intensively between the Foreign Ministry, the Indonesian Embassy in Tehran, and Pertamina to follow up on the positive signals conveyed by the Iranian government,” added another Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Yvonne Mewengkang.