Report on Jusuf Kalla Negotiating with Iranian Ambassador Regarding Pertamina Tanker Ship is Untrue

The report claiming that Indonesia’s 10th and 12th Vice President Muhammad Jusuf Kalla negotiated with the Iranian Ambassador to release the Pertamina tanker detained in the Strait of Hormuz has been denied by the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi). On its official website Komdigi.go.id, cited on Tuesday (31/3), a Facebook post alleging that Jusuf Kalla conducted negotiations with the Iranian Ambassador is untrue news. “In fact, the claim is untrue,” Komdigi stated. Komdigi emphasised that no credible news confirming the claim was found. A Google search using the keywords “Jusuf Kalla Sukses Nego Dubes Iran Perihal Kapal Tanker Pertamina” led to a YouTube account titled “Jusuf Kalla Terima Dubes Iran, Bahas Korban Sipil hingga Peran Indonesia di Perang Iran vs AS”. That meeting discussed recent developments in the situation in Iran as well as opportunities for Indonesia to play a role in promoting conflict resolution. Furthermore, the site reported that the Spokesperson for the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vahd Nabyl Achmad Mulachela, stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Indonesian Representation in Tehran has held meetings with relevant authorities in Iran and continues to coordinate closely with local parties to obtain the latest information regarding the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. It was conveyed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through its representatives also continues to ensure the safety of Indonesian-flagged ships. He gave an example of two Indonesian ships that were successfully allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.