Pertamina Ship Detained in Strait of Hormuz, Analyst: Indonesia in a Dilemma

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Professor of International Law at the University of Indonesia, Hikmahanto Juwana, stated that Indonesia is in a difficult position regarding the Pertamina ship still detained in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran.

“In this context, Indonesia is in a dilemmatic position,” said Hikmahanto when contacted by Kompas.com on Sunday (29/3/2026).

On one hand, Indonesia wants its tanker to pass through the Strait of Hormuz for national interests.

However, on the other hand, such a step risks making Indonesia seen as taking sides and perceived as an opponent by the United States.

In this context, he explained that Iran effectively controls the shipping route in the Strait of Hormuz.

Tankers from several countries are still allowed to pass without disruption.

Iran groups countries into “hostile states” (enemy states) and “non-hostile states” (non-enemies) to determine which ships may pass.

Several countries permitted to pass include Russia, China, Pakistan, India, Thailand, Malaysia, and recently Indonesia.

Meanwhile, Turkey receives limited access.

“It is not impossible that the number of countries wanting to negotiate with Iran will increase,” he explained.

This Iranian policy has the potential to trigger tensions, particularly with the US administration under President Donald Trump.

This is because Iran is seen as able to decide for itself who is considered a friend or enemy.

However, Trump previously hoped that his NATO allies, as well as Japan and South Korea, would help open access to the Strait of Hormuz.

But that effort received a less positive response.

In response to Iran’s actions, it is not impossible that the US will also group countries as friends or foes in this conflict.

“The problem is if countries considered friends by Iran are seen as enemies by the US,” he said.

Therefore, Indonesia’s position in that situation is highly dilemmatic.