Two Pertamina Tankers Detained in Hormuz; Indonesian Diplomat Meets Iranian Authorities

JAKARTA — Diplomats from Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs are lobbying Iranian authorities to ensure the safety of two Pertamina tankers, Pertamina Pride and Gamsunoro, trapped in the Strait of Hormuz.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through Indonesia’s representation in Tehran, has held meetings with relevant Iranian authorities and continues to coordinate closely with local officials to obtain the latest information regarding the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and to ensure the safety of Indonesian-flagged vessels,” said Indonesian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Vahd Nabyl Achmad Mulachela in a statement to Kompas.com on Monday, 16 March 2026.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is maintaining ongoing communication and coordination with Pertamina International Shipping (PIS) to closely monitor developments in the situation,” he added.

The Strait of Hormuz has become increasingly unsafe due to armed conflict between Iran and a coalition of the United States and Israel.

Four tankers were originally detained in the Strait of Hormuz: PIS Paragon, PIS Rinjani, Gamsunoro, and Pertamina Pride. Two vessels have already successfully transited the waterway — PIS Paragon and PIS Rinjani.

“Of the four units of PIS vessels, two have been recorded as departing the conflict area, namely PIS Rinjani and PIS Paragon,” said Acting PIS Corporate Secretary Vega Pita in a written statement on Tuesday, 10 March 2026.

Only Gamsunoro and Pertamina Pride remain unable to pass through Hormuz. Gamsunoro is a multipurpose vessel carrying cargo on behalf of third-party consumers. Pertamina Pride is a very large crude carrier (VLCC) currently transporting light crude oil to meet Indonesia’s domestic energy requirements.