Indonesia Prioritizes Diplomacy Over Pertamina Tanker in Hormuz

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – The Indonesian government is prioritizing diplomatic efforts with the Iranian government regarding a Pertamina oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions in the Middle East. Director General for Asia Pacific and Africa at Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Santo Darmosumarto, said in Jakarta on Friday, 6 March 2026, that the Indonesian Embassy in Tehran is currently communicating with Iranian authorities to ensure Indonesia’s interests, including the safety of Pertamina tanker navigation, remain protected.

“Diplomatic efforts are currently underway, including coordination with relevant parties in Iran, to ensure that Indonesia’s interests related to Pertamina continue to receive protection, particularly in ensuring the tanker can safely transit the Strait of Hormuz,” Santo said.

According to him, the measure is intended to ensure that the Pertamina tanker can safely pass through the strategic shipping lane. Santo added that, in general, security conditions in the region are not yet fully conducive, therefore communication with various parties is being intensified.

Nevertheless, the government emphasized that it continues to safeguard Indonesia’s national interests amid the evolving geopolitical dynamics in the region.

“This matter is currently being followed up by our colleagues at the Indonesian Embassy in Tehran, as the conversation must indeed be conducted with the Iranian government,” Santo said.

Earlier, PT Pertamina International Shipping (PIS) reported that four vessels are currently in the Middle East region. The vessel Gamsunoro is in the process of loading cargo at Khor al Zubair, Iraq.

The vessel Pertamina Pride has completed loading and is now anchored at Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, PIS Rinjani is currently anchored at Khor Fakkan, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and PIS Paragon is in the process of discharging cargo in Oman.

Two vessels remain in the Gulf area, namely Pertamina Pride, managed by NYK, and Gamsunoro, currently managed by Synergy Ship Management. Both vessels are also being monitored in real time to ensure their safety conditions remain secure.