RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia is intensifying negotiations to secure the release of two Pertamina tankers carrying two million barrels of crude oil, which remain held up in the Strait of Hormuz amid mounting regional tensions and internal complexities in Iran.

Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Sugiono confirmed during a press briefing at the Presidential Staff Office in Jakarta on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, that talks are ongoing through Indonesia’s embassy in Tehran.

“The issue has become more complex due to Iran’s internal situation. Sometimes policies decided at the top are not immediately implemented on the ground. That is what we are working to resolve,” he explained, as quoted by Antara.

The impasse comes as international discussions gain momentum. Britain and France have initiated meetings with more than 20 countries this week to coordinate strategies for reopening the vital shipping lane.

Minister Sugiono, representing President Prabowo Subianto, joined the talks virtually. “The countries involved rejected any form of fees or tolls for ships passing through Hormuz, as this violates the principle of freedom of navigation,” he said.

Participants also expressed support for diplomatic and political negotiations to ease tensions, while exploring options for international protection of vessels transiting the strait under international law or a UN mandate. “Of course, these discussions are still ongoing,” Minister Sugiono concluded. ***