On Pertamina Ships in the Strait of Hormuz, Bahlil: Keep Praying

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia stated that the government is continuously engaging in communications with the Iranian government regarding the position of the Pertamina ship detained in the Strait of Hormuz. Bahlil declined to detail the form of negotiations being conducted by the government to enable the two Pertamina ships to resume crossing the strait.

“We are continuously conducting intensive communications with the Iranian side. Collaboration between the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and the Foreign Minister is also ongoing; please keep praying,” Bahlil said after a press conference on the discovery of a giant gas field in East Kalimantan at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources office in Jakarta on Monday (20/4/2026).

According to Bahlil, the government is continuously lobbying the Iranian government to give the green light for the two Pertamina ships. Nevertheless, Bahlil admitted he could not disclose more details about these efforts to the public.

“Because not everything needs to be conveyed to the public. This involves geopolitics in such conditions; we can be open, but not too open, or we might end up embarrassed,” Bahlil said.

Previously, Acting Corporate Secretary of Pertamina International Shipping (PIS) Vega Pita stated that the two PIS ships, Pertamina Pride and Gamsunoro, are currently still in the Arabian Gulf. Vega conveyed that the two PIS ships have not yet been able to cross the Strait of Hormuz.

“PIS is continuously monitoring the developments of the very dynamic situation in the Strait of Hormuz closely,” Vega said in a written statement in Jakarta on Sunday (19/4/2026).

Vega stated that PIS is currently taking several steps to address this issue. Vega said the company is also continuously coordinating intensively with various relevant parties.

“We are continuously coordinating intensively with various relevant parties, including ministries and competent authorities, while still preparing a safe passage plan,” Vega said.

Vega emphasised that PIS remains prioritising safety aspects in this matter. He stated that the company’s top priority is the safety of all crew members, the security of the ships, and their cargo.

“We hope the conditions in that route will soon improve and become conducive so that the Pertamina Pride and Gamsunoro ships can promptly continue their voyage safely,” Vega said.