Indonesia’s stranded tankers in Hormuz Strait, Pertamina Pride and Gamsunoro. (Kompas)
Indonesia is working to secure the safe passage of two of its tankers stranded in the Strait of Hormuz after Iran responded positively to Jakarta’s diplomatic outreach, Antara news reported on March 28. Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has begun technical discussions with PT Pertamina International Shipping (PIS) to arrange the release of the vessels, Pertamina Pride and Gamsunoro.
Acting Corporate Secretary of PIS, Vega Pita, said on March 28 that both parties are working on operational details to ensure the ships can pass safely through the strategic waterway.
“PIS and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are currently discussing technical arrangements to ensure the safe passage of the two vessels, Pertamina Pride and Gamsunoro, through the Strait of Hormuz,” she said. Moreover, she explained that Pertamina Pride supports Indonesia’s domestic energy supply, while Gamsunoro is deployed for third-party energy distribution services.
Both tankers remain in the Persian Gulf, while the company prioritises the safety of its crew, vessels and cargo. She also expressed appreciation for the ministry’s support in managing the situation.
The disruption follows heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz linked to the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran. PIS has maintained close coordination with the ministry, which continues diplomatic engagement with relevant authorities.
The ministry’s spokesperson, Vahd Nabyl A. Mulachela, confirmed that Iran had signalled a positive response to Indonesia’s request to allow the safe passage of the two ships. He said the ministry and the Embassy of Indonesia in Tehran have been intensively coordinating with Iranian officials to ensure the vessels’ safety.
Although Tehran’s response has opened the way for further arrangements, Nabyl said discussions on technical and operational aspects are ongoing and no timeline has yet been set for the tankers’ departure.
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