Indonesia Urged to Strengthen Diplomacy as Iran Re-Closes Strait of Hormuz

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – The Indonesian House of Representatives’ Commission I has raised concerns over Iran’s decision to re-close the Strait of Hormuz, leaving the fate of two tankers owned by state oil and gas company Pertamina uncertain. Deputy Speaker Dave Laksono called on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to intensify diplomatic engagement with Tehran, warning that the closure is disrupting global energy flows.

“Iran’s reclosure of the Strait of Hormuz, just 12 hours after it was briefly reopened, underscores the fragility of security in the Middle East,” Dave told reporters in Jakarta on Monday, April 20, 2026.

He stressed that Indonesia is among the countries most vulnerable to disruptions in global energy supplies, given its reliance on fuel and gas imports from the region. “This situation not only affects international trade routes but also raises serious concerns about energy stability, including for Indonesia,” he said.

Dave acknowledged the government’s recent success in securing energy cooperation with Russia following President Prabowo Subianto’s visit but cautioned that dependence on international trade routes requires vigilance. “Reliance on external supply chains demands proactive measures,” he noted.

Iran has previously stated that the strait would remain closed unless the United States lifted its naval blockade of Iranian ports. The waterway was briefly reopened for less than a day before being shut again.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Indonesian Embassy in Tehran, and Pertamina International Shipping (PIS) are coordinating efforts to ensure the safe passage of two Indonesian vessels. “The government is closely monitoring developments in the Strait of Hormuz through coordination with our embassy in Tehran and relevant authorities,” Ministry Spokesperson Vahd Nabyl Achmad Mulachela said on Sunday, April 19.

Vahd Nabyl added that several technical and operational issues remain under review. “On evacuation matters, the embassy is maintaining intensive communication with Indonesian citizens in Iran to safeguard their security,” he said. (Gusti Panji/Sri Wahyuni)