Indonesian tankers cleared by Iran to exit Strait of Hormuz
Saturday, March 28 2026 - 09:26 AM WIB
Two Indonesian-flagged oil tankers that had been held in the Strait of Hormuz have officially been granted clearance by Iran to proceed with their journey.
Indonesian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Vahd Nabyl A. Mulachela, stated that since the beginning, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with the Indonesian Embassy in Tehran, had actively engaged in communication with the Iranian authorities.
“In its development, there has been a positive response from the Iranian side,” Nabyl said regarding the progress of negotiations involving Pertamina’s tankers in Jakarta on Friday (March 27), as quoted by Antara.
According to Nabyl, Tehran’s positive response has enabled relevant parties to proceed with operational steps for the tankers. However, the exact timing for when the vessels will exit the Strait of Hormuz has not yet been determined.
Read also : Indonesia secures alternative crude supplies as Pertamina tankers remain in Hormuz
Earlier, on March 4, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia said the government was working on negotiations regarding two tankers owned by PT Pertamina International Shipping (PIS) that were still in the Strait of Hormuz.
Bahlil emphasized that the presence of the two tankers does not threaten Indonesia’s energy security, as the government has secured alternative energy supplies from other countries.
Meanwhile, Director General for Asia-Pacific and Africa at the Indonesian Foreign Ministry, Santo Darmosumarto, stated that the government continues to strengthen communication with Iran to ensure the safety of the vessels.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that his country allows ships from “friendly nations” to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
However, vessels from the United States, Israel, and countries considered aggressors are not permitted to pass.
Several friendly countries granted clearance include China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Iraq, and Malaysia.
According to MarineTraffic data from March 20–22, around 1,900 vessels were reported unable to move around the Strait of Hormuz, based on a report by Anadolu Agency.
Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak