Indonesia News: Tankers, Kim Jong Un & Fuel Panic – March 7, 2026
Jakarta, Indonesia – The Indonesian government is actively negotiating the release of two oil tankers belonging to PT Pertamina International Shipping (PIS) currently held in the Strait of Hormuz, as tensions escalate in the Middle East following recent conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran. The situation has prompted Indonesia to seek alternative energy sources, with a focus on the United States, to safeguard its energy security.
Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia stated on , that the two cargo ships are “currently docked to find a safer location while we negotiate.” Pertamina has assured the safety of the crews aboard the vessels amidst the volatile regional environment. The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also engaged in direct dialogue with Iranian authorities to ensure the tankers’ safety, according to Director General of Asia Pacific and Africa, Santo Darmosumarto, who spoke on .
The detention of the Pertamina tankers comes amid reports, initially surfacing in Iranian media, that the Strait of Hormuz has been “effectively” closed following a US-Israeli attack. The Strait is a critical global chokepoint, handling approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil trade and significant volumes of liquefied natural gas from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Roughly 20 million barrels of oil, representing about 20 percent of global daily consumption, transit the corridor daily.
Indonesia’s reliance on Middle Eastern crude oil – currently accounting for 25% of its imports – has spurred a rapid search for alternative suppliers. Minister Lahadalia confirmed that Indonesia is actively pursuing energy sources from the United States, alongside Nigeria and Brazil, to mitigate potential disruptions. He urged calm, stating that Indonesia’s fuel stock is sufficient for domestic needs, clarifying that existing reserves can last up to 25 days, representing the country’s maximum oil storage capacity.
The move to diversify energy sources is occurring in parallel with ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure the passage of the tankers. Darmosumarto emphasized the importance of increased coordination and communication with the Iranian government, stating, “Regarding the Pertamina tankers, What we have is being followed up by our colleagues at the Indonesian Embassy in Tehran because the dialogue must be conducted with the Iranian government.” He added that these measures are aimed at ensuring the vessels “safely navigate the Strait of Hormuz.”
The situation highlights the vulnerability of global energy supply chains to geopolitical instability. The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway separating Iran and Oman, has long been a point of contention and a potential flashpoint in the Middle East. Control over the Strait allows significant influence over global oil prices and energy security.
Indonesia’s response reflects a broader concern among Asian nations heavily reliant on Middle Eastern oil. The potential for prolonged disruption to oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz could have significant economic consequences for countries like China, India, and Japan, as well as Indonesia. The Indonesian government’s proactive engagement with both Iran and the United States underscores the delicate diplomatic balancing act required to navigate the current crisis.
Beyond the immediate concern for the tankers and energy security, the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is assessing the wider implications of the Middle East conflict on Indonesia. Darmosumarto noted the importance of protecting Indonesian nationals in the region and intensifying communication with relevant parties to address potential domestic impacts. This includes monitoring the economic effects of higher oil prices and potential disruptions to trade.
The Indonesian government’s efforts to secure the release of the Pertamina tankers and diversify its energy sources represent a pragmatic response to a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape. While the situation remains fluid, Indonesia’s diplomatic engagement and proactive energy planning demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding its national interests and mitigating the potential consequences of escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Meanwhile, Indonesian authorities have moved to debunk misinformation circulating online. A viral video and photo collage falsely claiming that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un pledged support to Iran against the US and Israel has been identified as a fabrication and debunked by Indonesian fact-checkers. This highlights the challenges of combating disinformation during times of international crisis.