Pertamina Ships Still Detained in the Middle East: The Latest Developments

The Iranian government has given a positive signal to Indonesia’s request for two tankers owned by PT Pertamina to cross the Strait of Hormuz, after they were previously detained due to escalating conflict in the region. Spokesperson for the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vahd Nabyl Mulachela, stated that intensive communication continues with the Indonesian Embassy in Tehran and Iranian authorities. “In its development, there has been a positive response from the Iranian side,” Nabyl said in Jakarta on Friday (27/3/2026), quoted from Antara. According to him, this response is currently being followed up to the technical and operational stage. However, the government cannot yet confirm when the two ships can pass safely. The two ships in question are Pertamina Pride and Gamsunoro, which remain in the Arabian Gulf or Persian Gulf. The Pertamina Pride ship is used to support national energy needs, while Gamsunoro serves third-party energy distribution. Meanwhile, Acting Corporate Secretary of PT Pertamina International Shipping (PIS) Vega Pita assured that the ship crew are in safe condition. They are also continuing to coordinate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to prepare a crossing scheme. Vega added that diplomatic coordination is still ongoing intensively, including communication with Iranian authorities. PIS also expressed appreciation for the government’s support in handling the situation. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz occurred after Iran responded to a US and Israeli military attack on 28 February 2026. That tension impacts the strategic shipping route, which serves as a passage for around 20 percent of global oil and gas supply. Due to disruptions on that route, global energy distribution was temporarily hampered and drove up fuel prices in several countries. The government, he said, has prepared alternative supplies, including from the United States.