Jakarta (The Indonesian News) – For 16 hours, the Gamsunoro, a tanker owned by PT Pertamina International Shipping (PIS), sailed through one of the world’s most sensitive maritime chokepoints.
Under the shadow of the US-Iran conflict, which has heightened tensions across the Middle East, every mile of the journey tested the planning, vigilance, and resilience of the crew on board.
The long-awaited voyage began on Wednesday (June 24) at 1:06 a.m. Dubai time, or approximately 4:06 a.m. Western Indonesia Time .
After being held in the Arabian Gulf since early March 2026 due to uncertain security conditions , the Gamsunoro finally received the green light to proceed toward the Strait of Hormuz.
However, the decision to sail was not made overnight. Over the past month, PIS, together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Indonesian Embassy in Tehran, continuously monitored security developments in the region
For PIS, successfully navigating the Strait of Hormuz is not just about reaching the final destination.
The narrow strait, which serves as the main gateway for global energy trade, has been under international scrutiny since the conflict in the region escalated . The timing of departure, the shipping route, and the crew’s readiness were all decisive factors.
“The timing and route for crossing the Strait of Hormuz were determined through rigorous discussion and risk assessment. We noted dozens of mandatory requirements, ranging from insurance, technical and operational aspects, security, to crew readiness, which is why we decided the ship could safely depart from the Arabian Gulf,” Vega said .
Sixteen hours after leaving its departure point, the awaited news finally arrived. On Wednesday evening, at approximately 8:00 p.m. WIB, the Gamsunoro successfully passed the critical point of the Strait of Hormuz and reached a designated safe area .
That moment also ended a long wait since the ship was held up by the escalating geopolitical situation in the region.
The success is proof that cross-institutional coordination, careful planning, and strict adherence to safety standards can maintain operational continuity even amid uncertain global conditions.
Meanwhile, another PIS vessel in the Arabian Gulf, the VLCC Pertamina Pride, is currently preparing to depart. The company continues to evaluate security developments, shipping traffic, and various other risks before determining its departure time.
“We also ask for support and prayers for the VLCC Pertamina Pride so that it may soon cross the Strait of Hormuz safely,” Vega concluded .
Various scenarios were prepared, and dozens of safety aspects were reviewed before the company determined that the voyage risk could be managed.
“We thank the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Indonesian Embassy in Tehran for their support,” said PIS Acting Corporate Secretary Vega Pita in an official statement on Thursday (June 25) .
As the ship began to move away from the Arabian Gulf, the real work had just begun. Throughout the voyage, the team at the PIS crisis center monitored the ship’s movement around the clock .
Every development along the shipping route was closely observed to ensure the vessel could pass through the area safely.
