Indonesia verifies reports of Iranian oil tankers in its waters

Foreign Ministry said it is verifying reports of Iranian oil tankers operating in Indonesian waters, following sightings of foreign vessels in key maritime routes.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang said the government is conducting field verification and coordinating across agencies to assess the situation.

She said navigation in Indonesian waters is governed by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which allows transit rights in accordance with international law.

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The ministry said the vessels are currently considered to be exercising their right of passage, while authorities continue to monitor developments and engage through diplomatic channels.

Earlier reports indicated an Iranian oil tanker carrying crude valued at about $220 million entered Indonesian waters via the Lombok Strait and was heading toward the Riau Islands, after reportedly turning off its tracking system.

Editing by Alexander Ginting