Indonesia’s state-owned oil and gas company Pertamina has confirmed that two of its vessels remain unable to proceed through the Strait of Hormuz, as shifting security conditions in the Persian Gulf continue to disrupt maritime traffic in one of the world’s most strategic energy corridors.
The two tankers, Pertamina Pride and Gamsunoro, are currently stranded in the region following renewed restrictions on passage through the waterway, which is critical for global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.
In a statement received in Jakarta on Sunday, Vega Pita, Acting Corporate Secretary of Pertamina International Shipping, said the company is closely monitoring developments in what she described as a highly fluid and rapidly changing situation.
“We continue to coordinate closely with relevant stakeholders, including ministries and other agencies, while working on plans for safe passage,” she said.
Pita emphasized that Pertamina is prioritizing the safety of both vessels and crew members while seeking a resolution that would allow the tankers to continue their operations.
“We hope that the situation in the waterway will soon improve and become conducive for both Pertamina Pride and Gamsunoro to resume their voyages safely,” she added.
The developments come as Indonesia continues diplomatic engagement with Iran in an effort to ensure the safe movement of its commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
Earlier, the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the Iranian government had responded positively to Jakarta’s request for safe passage for the Pertamina-operated tankers.
The Indonesian Embassy in Tehran has since followed up on technical and operational arrangements, although officials have not yet provided a definitive timeline for when the ships will be able to transit the waterway.
Authorities in Jakarta have described the situation as sensitive, given the broader geopolitical tensions affecting maritime security in the region.
On Saturday (April 18), Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) announced the reinstatement of restrictions on passage through the Strait of Hormuz, reversing a brief easing of access for commercial vessels that had lasted roughly one day.
The decision was justified by Tehran as a response to continued pressure on Iranian maritime operations, including what it described as the blockade of Iranian ports by the United States.
“Control over the Strait of Hormuz has returned to its previous state, and this strategic waterway is under the strict management and control of the armed forces,” the IRGC joint command stated, according to Iran’s semi-official news agency Tasnim.
The IRGC further warned that restrictions would remain in place until, in its words, the United States restores “full freedom of movement for vessels traveling to and from Iran.”
The announcement immediately heightened uncertainty for commercial shipping in the region, where even short disruptions can have significant implications for global energy supply chains.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most important maritime chokepoints in the world, with a substantial share of global oil exports passing through its narrow shipping lanes. Any disruption in the area is closely monitored by energy markets due to its potential impact on supply security and pricing.
In recent weeks, tensions in the region have escalated amid broader geopolitical confrontations involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. These developments have contributed to fluctuating shipping conditions and increased risk assessments by commercial operators.
For Indonesia, which relies on secure energy logistics and international maritime routes, the situation underscores the vulnerability of global supply chains to geopolitical instability.
Indonesia seeks safe resolution for stranded vessels
Indonesian authorities have reiterated their commitment to ensuring the safe return of the stranded tankers while continuing coordination with international partners and relevant regional actors.
Diplomatic efforts remain ongoing, with officials emphasizing a preference for de-escalation and adherence to international maritime law to ensure freedom of navigation.
Pertamina International Shipping has also maintained operational readiness, preparing contingency plans while awaiting clearance for the vessels to proceed.
The temporary loss of access for commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz has raised concerns among energy analysts and shipping operators about the potential for prolonged disruptions if tensions persist.
Shipping firms operating in the region have reportedly increased caution, with some vessels adjusting routes or delaying transit pending clearer security assurances.
Market observers note that even limited disruptions in the Strait can have outsized effects on global oil prices, given its role as a transit route for a significant portion of the world’s petroleum exports.
As diplomatic and military dynamics continue to evolve, the status of maritime access in the region remains uncertain, with governments and energy companies closely monitoring developments.
For Indonesia, the priority remains ensuring the safe passage of its vessels while navigating a complex and rapidly changing geopolitical environment.
