Three Indonesian nationals missing in the Strait of Hormuz, Foreign Ministry urges Indonesian crew to stay vigilant amid Middle East tensions

Jakarta — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia has urged all Indonesian seafarers to stay vigilant while at sea, in response to escalating tensions in the Middle East following attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran. Three Indonesian nationals are missing in the Strait of Hormuz, between the waters of the UAE and Oman, on Friday, 6 March 2026, at 02:00 local time, after the UAE-flagged tugboat Musaffah 2 exploded and sank. ‘Considering security conditions in the Middle East, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs again calls on all Indonesians in the region, including Indonesian crew members on ships, to continually heighten vigilance,’ said Acting Director of WNI Protection Heni Hamidah on Saturday, 7 March 2026. ‘Immediately report to ensure quick and accurate responses from the Indonesian Representatives. In an emergency, contact the relevant hotline of the Indonesian Representatives.’ The incident occurred as Iran decided to close the Strait of Hormuz following the US and Israel attacks, and the country even threatened to shoot any vessels attempting to pass through the strait. Following the report, Indonesian representatives coordinated with UAE and Oman authorities, as well as Safeen Prestige. Witnesses said Musaffah 2 suffered an explosion, causing the vessel to burn and sink. According to information received, Musaffah 2 had seven crew members: Indonesian, Indian, and Philippine nationals. Four crew members were rescued, while the other three are still being searched. ‘In addition to those four Indonesians, there was one Indonesian on site but on a different vessel who was safe,’ Heni said. The Strait of Hormuz is known as one of the world’s most vital oil export routes, linking Gulf producers such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, and the UAE with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.