The Indonesian Embassy in Tehran has sent diplomatic notes to the Iranian Foreign Ministry to seek clarification over the two Indonesian crew members as well as to gain consular access and hold communication with both of them.Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia sent diplomatic notes to Iran in pursuit of a clarification on its two nationals working for a South Korea-registered oil tanker seized by Tehran in the Strait of Harmuz.
The Indonesian Embassy in Tehran has contacted and coordinated with several parties to handle the case, the embassy noted in a written statement released on Wednesday.
"The Indonesian Embassy in Tehran has sent diplomatic notes to the Iranian Foreign Ministry to seek clarification over the two Indonesian crew members as well as to gain consular access and hold communication with both of them," the embassy stated.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry noted that its officials had paid a visit to MT Hankook Chemi and confirmed that all its crew members, including two Indonesians, were in good health.
Reuters quoted Iranian news agency Tasnim as saying on Monday (Jan 4) that the crew members of the South Korea-registered tanker, seized by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz earlier in the day, are held in custody in the Iran port city of Bandar Abbas.
The crew members are from South Korea, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Myanmar.
Reuters quoted Tasnim as saying that Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards seized the tanker for allegedly causing chemical pollution in the bay.
The South Korean government confirmed that the tanker laden with chemicals was seized and called for the immediate release of the crew members.
On Tuesday, Iran denied using the South Korean tanker and its crew members as hostage in connection with the US$7-billion fund frozen by South Korea over the US sanction.
Related news: Vaccine diplomacy: Indonesia aims for national, global access
Related news: Year ender - Indonesia stands firmly behind Blue Helmets
EDITED BY INE
Translator: Suwanti/Suharto
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
