Indonesia Negotiates Release of Two Pertamina Tankers in Strait of Hormuz

Jakarta: Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said the government is pursuing negotiations to secure the release of two tankers owned by Pertamina International Shipping (PIS) that remain in the Strait of Hormuz.

“There are two Pertamina cargo vessels caught in the Strait of Hormuz. The ships are currently anchored in safer locations while we continue negotiations,” Bahlil said after an iftar gathering at the Energy Ministry in Jakarta on Wednesday night March 4, 2026, as quoted by Antara on Thursday, March 5, 2026.

Pertamina has ensured the safety of its crews amid the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran in the Middle East.

Bahlil emphasized that the situation would not disrupt Indonesia’s energy security, as the government is seeking alternative energy supplies from the United States.

“Geopolitical conditions are far from stable, but the government has prepared various alternatives for crude oil, fuel, and LPG supplies. God willing, we remain secure,” he said.

Efforts to secure alternative supplies are being carried out alongside negotiations to release the two tankers.

Iranian media reported that the Strait of Hormuz had been “effectively” closed following US-Israeli strikes.

The strategic waterway handles around one-fifth of global oil trade, including large volumes of liquefied natural gas exports from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Approximately 20 percent of the world’s daily oil consumption -,around 20 million barrels,- passes through the corridor.

On Monday, March 2, Pertamina International Shipping reported that four vessels were operating in the Middle East region: the MT Gamsunoro was loading cargo in Khor al Zubair, Iraq; the MT Pertamina Pride had completed loading and was anchored in Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia; the MT PIS Rinjani was anchored in Khor Fakkan, United Arab Emirates; and the MT PIS Paragon was discharging cargo in Oman.

Two vessels -,Pertamina Pride, managed by NYK, and Gamsunoro, managed by Synergy Ship Management,- remain within the Gulf area and are being monitored in real time to ensure security conditions.

“We are working to ensure that both vessels can exit the Gulf area as soon as possible. Our fleet team is maintaining intensive communication with ship managers to coordinate and ensure the safety of the crews and vessels,” said PIS Acting Corporate Secretary Vega Pita.