Two Pertamina Tanker Ships Can Exit the Strait of Hormuz, Here's Iran's Explanation
Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu) has assured that the Iranian government has responded positively to Indonesia’s request to allow two Pertamina tanker ships, which remain detained in the Strait of Hormuz, to transit safely.
According to Spokesperson for Kemlu RI, Vahd Nabyl A. Mulachela, his side, together with the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) in Tehran, has conducted intensive coordination with all relevant parties in Iran for the safety of the said tanker ships since the beginning.
“In its development, there has been a positive response from the Iranian side,” Nabyl said in response to ANTARA’s questions regarding the progress of negotiations on the Pertamina tanker ships in Jakarta on Friday (27/3).
Following the positive response conveyed by Tehran, follow-up steps have been carried out by relevant parties on technical and operational aspects, Nabyl said, although he did not provide a definite time when the tanker ships could exit the Strait of Hormuz.
Previously, on 4 March, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, stated that the government was conducting a negotiation approach to free two tanker ships owned by PT Pertamina International Shipping (PIS) that were still in the Strait of Hormuz.
However, Bahlil assured that the two tanker ships trapped in the Strait of Hormuz do not disrupt Indonesia’s energy resilience, as Indonesia quickly seeks alternative energy procurement from other countries.
Director General of Asia Pacific and Africa at Kemlu RI, Santo Darmosumarto, on 6 March, said that the Indonesian government continues to enhance coordination and communication efforts with the Iranian government to ensure the safety of the two Pertamina tanker ships.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi recently stated that his country allows ships from “friendly” countries to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, ships from the United States, Israel, and “aggressor” countries remain prohibited from passing.
The “friendly” countries given the green light to transit by Tehran include China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Iraq, and Malaysia.
Based on real-time ship tracker data from MarineTraffic for the period of 20 to 22 March, around 1,900 ships were unable to move around the Strait of Hormuz, according to an Anadolu report. (Ant/P-3)
PT Pertamina International Shipping (PIS) has confirmed that two of the company’s four ships have successfully left the Middle East region.
Two ships owned by PT Pertamina International Shipping (PIS) have departed from the area around the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating Middle East conflicts.