Today's Top 3 News: Kim Jong Un Did Not Pledge to Help Iran Fight the US and Israel

8 hours ago 4

North Korean President Kim Jong Un in North Korea. Shutterstock.

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Tempo English compiled the top 3 news on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Here are the highlights: Indonesia Negotiates to Release Two Pertamina Tankers in Strait of Hormuz; Fact Check: Kim Jong Un Did Not Pledge to Help Iran Fight the US and Israel; and Minister Bahlil Urges Calm: No Need for Fuel Panic Buying.

The following is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today:

1. Indonesia Negotiates to Release Two Pertamina Tankers in Strait of Hormuz

Indonesian Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia stated that the government is negotiating to free two tankers belonging to PT Pertamina International Shipping (PIS) that are still stuck in the Strait of Hormuz.

"There are two cargo ships stuck in the Strait of Hormuz owned by Pertamina. The ships are currently docked to find a safer location while we negotiate," Bahlil said when met after an iftar (breaking of fast) event at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources in Jakarta, Wednesday evening (March 4).

Pertamina has also ensured the safety of the ships' crews amid the ongoing war between the United States, Israel, and Iran in the Middle East.

On the same occasion, Bahlil stated that the two tankers stuck in the Strait of Hormuz do not threaten Indonesia's energy security, as Indonesia is quickly seeking alternative energy sources in the United States.

Click here to read more

2. Fact Check: Kim Jong Un Did Not Pledge to Help Iran Fight the US and Israel

A video and photo collage of North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un's speech circulated on Facebook [archive] and Instagram on March 1, 2026. In the 50-second recording, Kim is seen wearing a white military uniform and delivering a fiery speech to his troops.

The post included a caption in Bahasa Indonesia: "Currently, the war between America and Iran has escalated. I have decided to assist Iran directly. Our military is now fully prepared to confront America and its allies. This is the time for us to go out and fight."

As of this article's publication, the recording had been liked more than 59,000 times, commented on by over 3,500 people, and shared at least 3,600 times. But did North Korean President Kim Jong Un really go on a rampage on March 1, 2026, and declare that he would defend Iran against Israel and the United States?

Click here to read more

3. Minister Bahlil Urges Calm: No Need for Fuel Panic Buying

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia urged the public not to engage in panic buying of fuel following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz due to Iran's war against the United States and Israel. Bahlil ensured that the fuel stock is sufficient for domestic needs.

"Together with Pertamina (state-owned oil and gas firm), we have switched from the Middle East to sourcing from the United States, Nigeria, and Brazil. So, there is no need for panic buying," Bahlil said at the Central Leadership Council office of the Golkar Party in Jakarta on Friday night, March 6, 2026.

The statement by the Chairperson of the Golkar Party was in response to long queues at various gas stations as citizens feared fuel shortages. The panic buying was triggered by Bahlil's previous statement that Indonesia's fuel stock suffices for up to 20 days.

Bahlil emphasized that his statement referred to Indonesia's maximum oil storage capacity, which can hold reserves for a maximum of 25 days. He also claimed that this has been the case for a long time, rather than a recent development.

Click here to read more

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News

Today's Top 3 News: Indonesia Negotiates to Release Two Pertamina Tankers in Strait of Hormuz

1 hari lalu