State energy company PT Pertamina has rerouted its crude oil shipments from the Middle East to Indonesia as tensions between Iran and Israel escalate, raising the prospect of a full closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

Pertamina Vice President for Corporate Communications, Fadjar Djoko Santoso, confirmed that vessels carrying crude oil to Indonesia are now taking alternate shipping lanes through Oman and India, bypassing the potentially volatile strait.

“Pertamina has anticipated the situation (closure of the Strait of Hormuz) by securing our tankers and rerouting them through safer paths, including via Oman and India, to ensure the continuity of our supply chain,” Fadjar said on Monday, June 23, 2025.

Fadjar added that all of Pertamina’s tankers, particularly those navigating international waters, remain safe and under close monitoring by the company.

He emphasized that the company has ramped up its vigilance and regularly monitors the movement of its international fleet.

“We’ve prepared alternative scenarios, including rerouting tankers through several strategic points. This is part of our strategy to ensure oil supplies from the Middle East and surrounding regions to Indonesia are not disrupted,” he said.

The Strait of Hormuz, flanked by Iran, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates, is widely regarded as one of the world’s most vital oil transit chokepoints. Approximately one-fourth of global oil shipments pass through the narrow waterway, making it a critical artery for energy flows.

With Iran signaling a potential maritime blockade of the strait, concerns have mounted globally over the security of oil supply chains. Fadjar acknowledged that such a move would undoubtedly impact global oil distribution, including shipments to Indonesia.

Despite the heightened geopolitical risks, Pertamina stressed that it is not overly reliant on Middle Eastern crude supplies.

“We now have a far more flexible crude procurement system. We're not dependent on a single supplier country. We have alternative sources to ensure Indonesia’s energy supply remains secure,” Fadjar cited.

Indonesia, a major importer of crude oil, could face increased shipping costs and delivery times due to the longer rerouted journey. However, the company reassured the public that national fuel stocks are currently stable and well-buffered.

As the Middle East crisis evolves, Pertamina said it would continue to assess risks and adapt its logistics strategy accordingly to protect Indonesia’s energy security.