Jakarta: Indonesia is working to secure the safe passage of two Pertamina tankers stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, following a positive response from Iran amid ongoing tensions in West Asia, authorities said.

According to Nam News Network, Acting Corporate Secretary of PT Pertamina International Shipping (PIS) Vega Pita stated that the company is coordinating closely with the Foreign Affairs Ministry to facilitate the safe transit of the vessels, Pertamina Pride and Gamsunoro, through the strategic waterway. PIS, in collaboration with the Foreign Affairs Ministry, is discussing technical measures to ensure the safety of the vessels as they pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

Vega Pita emphasized that both vessels are currently in the Persian Gulf, highlighting that the priority remains the safety of all crew members, as well as the security of the vessels and their cargo. She urged for prayers and support from the Indonesian people to see the process resolved successfully, while expressing appreciation to the Foreign Ministry for its support.

She further mentioned that since the closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid the West Asia conflict, PIS has maintained intensive coordination with the ministry, alongside ongoing diplomatic communications. Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministry confirmed that Iran has responded positively to Jakarta's request to allow safe passage for the two tankers.

Vahd Nabyl A. Mulachela, a spokesperson for the ministry, noted that the ministry, along with the Indonesian Embassy in Tehran, has been coordinating closely with relevant Iranian authorities from the outset to ensure the vessels' safety. He stated that follow-up steps are being undertaken on technical and operational aspects, although no timeline has been set for the vessels' departure.

On March 5, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia mentioned that Indonesia was negotiating to secure the release of the two tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.