RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia is working through diplomatic channels to secure safe passage for two Pertamina oil tankers stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, as escalating tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel continue to disrupt shipping in one of the world’s most strategic waterways.

The Indonesian Foreign Affairs Ministry confirmed it has been maintaining dialogue with Iranian authorities to ensure the safety of the vessels owned by PT Pertamina International Shipping (PIS), which remain unable to leave the area due to the regional conflict.

According to the ministry’s Director General for Asia Pacific and Africa, Santo Darmosumarto, the situation in the region remains tense and not yet conducive, prompting Indonesia to intensify coordination and communication with local authorities.

“Regarding the Pertamina tankers, the matter is being followed up by our colleagues at the Indonesian Embassy in Tehran because the dialogue must be conducted with the Iranian government,” Santo said during a media briefing in Jakarta on Friday, March 6, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

He said diplomatic efforts and coordination are ongoing with various stakeholders in Iran to ensure Pertamina’s interests in the Strait of Hormuz remain protected amid the escalating conflict.

Ambassador Santo also emphasized that the steps being taken are intended to ensure the affected Pertamina tankers can eventually “pass through the Strait of Hormuz safely”.

He acknowledged that the dynamics of the conflict in the Middle East could have significant impacts on Indonesia, considering that countries in the region are important trading partners for the Southeast Asian nation.

For that reason, besides strengthening coordination related to the protection of Indonesian citizens in the region, the Foreign Affairs Ministry is also intensifying communication with relevant parties to assess and find solutions to potential impacts of the Middle East conflict on Indonesia.

Earlier on Wednesday, March 4, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said the government was pursuing negotiations to secure the release of two tankers belonging to PT Pertamina International Shipping (PIS) that remain in the Strait of Hormuz.

“There are two cargoes stuck in the Strait of Hormuz belonging to Pertamina. The ships are currently anchored while seeking a safer place, as we continue negotiations,” Minister Bahlil said after attending a breaking-of-the-fast event at the Ministry in Jakarta on Wednesday night< March 4.

He added that the two tankers stranded would not disrupt Indonesia’s energy security, as the country is quickly seeking alternative energy supplies from the United States.

Pertamina has also confirmed the safety of the crew members aboard the vessels amid the ongoing conflict between the United States-Israel and Iran in the Middle East region. ***