Strait of Hormuz in Turmoil Again, Pertamina Hopes Ships Can Continue Sailing
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – PT Pertamina is continuously following the latest developments in the Middle East region. Pertamina’s VP of Corporate Communication, Muhammad Baron, stated that the company welcomes positively the ceasefire and the temporary reopening of the shipping route in the Strait of Hormuz. However, this situation is threatened by renewed unrest in Lebanon.
“Pertamina, through PIS (Pertamina International Shipping), will take advantage of the momentum of the Strait of Hormuz route’s opening through intensive coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and local authorities, so that diplomacy and negotiations yield positive results,” Baron said in a written statement in Jakarta on Thursday (9/4/2026).
On the other hand, Baron continued, Pertamina assures that the current condition of its fleet in the region remains well-maintained. He conveyed that two tankers previously impacted by the geopolitical situation are still in the Arabian Gulf area.
“Both tankers are still in the Arabian Gulf area in safe condition,” Baron said.
Pertamina, Baron added, emphasises that safety aspects are the top priority in every operational decision. The company continues to monitor situation developments and coordinates with relevant authorities to minimise risks.
“Pertamina’s top priority is the safety and security of the crew and their cargo,” Baron stated.
In response to Israel’s recent attacks in Lebanon, Iranian officials have called for firm action against the aggression to support Lebanon and its people. Iran stated that the Strait of Hormuz could be closed again until the attacks on Lebanon cease.
Ibrahim Rezaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, said this in a post on X. “In response to Israel’s brutal aggression in Lebanon, ship movements in the Strait of Hormuz must be immediately halted, and strong and firm attacks must be launched to prevent further assaults by the Israeli entity.”
In a statement from the Iranian and Pakistani sides as mediators, the cessation of Israel’s attacks on Lebanon and all resistance axes is a condition for the ceasefire. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump stated that Lebanon is not included in the agreement.
Israel’s brutal attacks on Lebanon occurred shortly after Trump announced the ceasefire yesterday. Israel launched at least 150 attacks across Lebanon, killing at least 254 people and injuring at least 1,165 others.
The scale of killing and destruction from those attacks is “horrific”, said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk. He urged the international community to “end this nightmare”.
Iran’s envoy to the UN in Geneva, Ali Bahraini, emphasised the importance of Israel upholding the ceasefire in Lebanon. He added that Tehran will conduct peace negotiations with Washington cautiously due to a lack of trust.
“Given the lack of trust, Tehran will be cautious in conducting ‘peace’ negotiations with Washington, while remaining militarily vigilant at the same time.”
He further warned about the consequences of Israel’s continuous attacks on Lebanon. “We warn that the continuation of attacks will cause further complications and severe consequences.”
Iran is also preparing to withdraw from the ceasefire agreement if Israel continues to violate the ceasefire by launching attacks on Lebanon, a source told the Tasnim News Agency. “Iran is currently studying the possibility of withdrawing from the ceasefire agreement with the ongoing violations by the Israeli entity and its aggression against Lebanon.”