Two Pertamina Ships Trapped in the Strait of Hormuz; Government Takes Action

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) continues to work towards resolving the issue of ships belonging to PT Pertamina that remain detained in the Strait of Hormuz through diplomatic channels.

Laode Sulaiman, Director General of Oil and Natural Gas at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, stated that the government is currently pursuing various measures to resolve the matter. “This is still ongoing. We are still seeking diplomatic avenues to resolve it,” Laode said when met at the Balongan Refinery Complex on Friday, 13 March 2026.

Laode clarified that ship detention in the region is not unique to Indonesia, as vessels from various other nations are similarly affected. “Everyone is still held up, not just us; everyone,” he remarked.

Previously, PT Pertamina International Shipping (PIS) confirmed that two of four ships operating in the Middle East have exited the conflict zone. These are the PIS Rinjani and PIS Paragon.

Vega Pita, Acting Corporate Secretary of Pertamina International Shipping, explained that two remaining PIS ships are positioned in the Arabian Gulf: the VLCC Pertamina Pride and Gamsunoro. “Of the four ships operated by PT Pertamina International Shipping (PIS) in the Middle East region, two have moved away from the conflict area, namely the PIS Rinjani and PIS Paragon,” she stated in a written statement on Wednesday, 11 March 2026.

Vega said the two detained ships are currently awaiting security conditions permitting passage through the Strait of Hormuz, whilst confirming the vessels remain in good condition. The Gamsunoro carries cargo belonging to third-party clients, whilst the VLCC Pertamina Pride is on a mission to transport crude oil supplies to meet domestic energy needs.

Beyond these vessels, energy supply chains and distribution remain robust across both international and Indonesian waters, supported by at least 345 ships managed by other Pertamina Group entities. In coordination with the government, the Pertamina Group has implemented Regular, Alternative and Emergency methods to determine the most effective and secure supply chain approaches to meet public energy demands and ensure smooth distribution.

“PIS continuously conducts intensive 24/7 real-time monitoring of all fleet positions, crew and workers. We also maintain close coordination with maritime authorities and local authorities to ensure the safety and security of all crew members and cargo,” she said.