The nation is in talks with Iran to secure safe passage for its tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, with Teheran responding favourably to Jakarta’s diplomatic efforts, a foreign ministry spokesman said.
US-Israeli strikes on Iran and Teheran’s retaliatory response in the Gulf have sent global oil prices soaring, with Iran maintaining a hold on the vital waterway.
Indonesian tankers Pertamina Pride and Gamsunoro, owned by a subsidiary of state energy firm Pertamina, remain in the Gulf, a company spokesperson said.
The Indonesian government and its embassy in Teheran have held talks with the Iranian embassy in Jakarta and relevant parties in Teheran, which has responded positively to allow the ships to safely pass through the strait, foreign ministry spokesman Vahd Nabyl Achmad Mulachela said on Saturday.
“The Iran embassy (in Jakarta) has conveyed the Iran government’s favourable consideration regarding the safe passage of Pertamina Group’s vessels in the Strait of Hormuz,” he said.
Pertamina will carry out some preparations to follow up on Tehran’s “positive” response, he added, including ensuring that the crews are prepared and being insured.
“The foreign ministry and the Indonesian embassy in Teheran will continue to coordinate with all relevant parties in an effort to ensure the safe passage of Pertamina-owned vessels through the Strait of Hormuz,” Vahd said.
Pertamina Pride is carrying crude oil for domestic use, while Gamsunoro is carrying fuel oil to serve “external” consumers, Vega said, without disclosing further details. — AFP
