Indonesia will not impose tariffs or tolls on vessels passing through the Malacca Strait, Foreign Minister Sugiono said, stressing that such a move would violate international law.
Speaking to reporters in Jakarta, Sugiono said Indonesia fully respects international maritime law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which recognises Indonesia as an archipelagic state under specific conditions.
He explained that UNCLOS is based on long-standing agreements that allow free passage through key sea routes, provided coastal states do not impose charges on transit traffic.
“As an archipelagic state, we must comply with international law, especially UNCLOS. There is an understanding that ensures we do not impose tolls or fees on straits within our territory,” he was quoted as saying.
Sugiono also emphasised Indonesia’s commitment to freedom of navigation, noting that the country supports open and neutral shipping lanes as a trade-dependent nation.
His remarks came shortly after Indonesia’s Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa suggested the possibility of introducing a levy on ships, drawing comparisons to Iran’s proposal to charge vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The idea was linked to President Prabowo Subianto’s broader vision of positioning Indonesia as a stronger global economic player.
However, Sugiono firmly rejected the proposal, stating that Indonesia is not in a position to impose such charges on one of the world’s busiest maritime routes.
The discussion comes amid growing international concerns over the security of key shipping lanes, including the Strait of Hormuz, where tensions have raised fears of potential disruptions to global trade.
Regional countries have also reiterated their stance on maintaining open access to the Malacca Strait. Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand continue to coordinate maritime security through joint patrols, with leaders emphasising that decisions affecting the waterway must be made collectively rather than unilaterally.
