Iran has extended a positive signal to Indonesian vessels, clearing them for passage through the Strait of Hormuz. This comes after an earlier closure of the critical Middle East waterway, which was implemented by Iran following the Iran-Israel conflict. The development offers a crucial lifeline for Indonesian maritime passage that had been previously constrained.
“We can confirm that, following extensive coordination between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) and the Indonesian Embassy in Tehran with Pertamina, the Iranian Embassy in Jakarta, and relevant Iranian parties in Tehran, the Iranian Embassy has conveyed the Iranian Government’s positive consideration regarding the security of passage for vessels belonging to the Pertamina Group through the Strait of Hormuz,” stated Yvonne Mewengkang, Spokesperson I for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in an official announcement on Saturday, March 28. This underscores the effectiveness of sustained diplomatic coordination in resolving critical international shipping issues.
This welcome news has been received with enthusiasm by PT Pertamina International Shipping (PIS). The company is now actively engaged in technical discussions with the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure the safe transit of two specific oil tankers, the Pertamina Pride and Gamsunoro. These vessels have been held back and are currently positioned in the Arabian Gulf/Persian Gulf, awaiting clearance.
Before these crucial movements can proceed, Pertamina must fulfill certain requirements. “Technical readiness from Pertamina’s side is essential, including comprehensive insurance protection and robust crew preparedness, before the positive response from the Iranian Government can be acted upon,” Yvonne Mewengkang added, emphasizing the stringent maritime safety protocols that need to be in place.
Further solidifying the ongoing efforts, Vega Pita, the Acting Corporate Secretary for PIS, confirmed the active technical discussions aimed at securing the safe passage of the two tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. She also extended her profound appreciation and gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their unwavering support in managing this complex situation.
“PIS, in collaboration with the MoFA, is meticulously discussing the technical aspects to ensure that both vessels, the Pertamina Pride and Gamsunoro, can traverse the Strait of Hormuz securely. Both ships are presently located within the Arabian Gulf/Persian Gulf,” Vega stated when contacted by Kumparan on Saturday, March 28. This reiterates the urgent and detailed nature of the preparations.
Vega also highlighted that two other PIS vessels, the PIS Rinjani and PIS Paragon, had successfully navigated out of the Middle East conflict zone previously. This provides a positive precedent for the current operation and demonstrates PIS’s experience in managing vessel movements in challenging regions.
Concluding her remarks, Vega affirmed, “The company’s utmost priority remains the safety of all crew members, alongside the security of the vessels and their valuable cargo. We respectfully request the prayers and support of all Indonesian citizens for a successful resolution of this process.” This highlights the company’s commitment to crew safety and overall shipping security.
Prior to this positive development for Indonesia, several other nations had already secured permission for international shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Countries such as China, Russia, Pakistan, Iraq, India, and Bangladesh had previously gained access. This information was directly conveyed by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, indicating a selective but open policy.
Minister Araghchi clarified that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to countries that maintain consistent diplomatic communication and coordination with Iran. This condition underscores the importance of ongoing dialogue in navigating regional complexities and ensuring maritime access.
Malaysia also recently confirmed its success in securing passage. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that Iran had granted permission for Malaysian vessels to transit the Strait of Hormuz. This assurance was obtained following productive discussions with leaders from Iran, Egypt, Turkey, and other regional states on Thursday, March 26, further illustrating the impact of proactive diplomatic engagement.