Jakarta. The UK and France have invited countries, including Indonesia, to join a multinational defensive mission to protect merchant vessels crossing the Strait of Hormuz, but Jakarta did not say whether it would contribute personnel to the joint mission.

The world’s major commercial shipping channels continue to fall victim to persistent Iranian blockades. US-Iran frictions, further fueled by Washington’s joint attack with Israel in late February, have fueled the shutdowns. US President Donald Trump agreed to extend the two-week ceasefire, but wants Washington’s blockade of Iranian ports to remain in effect.

Just a few days ago, 51 countries -- including Indonesia -- gathered for a virtual summit chaired by the UK and France on the strait’s fate. Foreign Minister Sugiono, who joined the talks in President Prabowo Subianto’s stead, revealed had unraveled during the meeting.

“There is a plan to establish a peaceful military protection for the vessels transiting through the Strait of Hormuz. So the personnel will escort the ships. This is a proposal. It remains subject to further discussions,” Sugiono told reporters in Jakarta on Wednesday. 

Sugiono said the naval coalition would not only guard the oil traffic, but also cargoes carrying other goods. There were talks of mine clearance operations in the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most important oil chokepoint. Tehran has placed mines in the strait to discourage independent marine traffic as two Indonesian oil tankers await their Hormuz exit.

"Of course, the plan has to be in accordance with the international law," Sugiono added.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Yvonne Mewengkang did not immediately respond to inquiries on whether Jakarta was planning to send its personnel to the mission.

A UK-France joint statement published after the April 17 meeting stated that the work would be “strictly defensive and operate in full accordance with international law”. The acceptable contributions are not limited to military assets, but also logistical support, money, and even political backing. Operations are expected to begin “following a sustainable ceasefire agreement”.

Countries such as Germany and South Korea later agreed with the joint statement. Seoul has said that it is reviewing contributions to the coalition, according to South Korean news outlets. London will soon host military planners from over 30 countries to discuss this multinational mission.