April 23, 2026 | 03:08 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Foreign Minister Sugiono has affirmed that Indonesia will not impose tariffs in the Malacca Strait, stating that such a move would be inconsistent with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Sugiono made the remarks during a brief interview in Jakarta on Thursday, responding to press inquiries regarding whether Indonesia intended to levy charges in the waterway.
The Foreign Minister emphasized that Indonesia maintains a deep respect for international law, particularly the mandates set forth by UNCLOS.
According to him, UNCLOS is the agreement that recognizes Indonesia’s status as an archipelagic nation, provided it does not impose tariffs within the straits that fall inside its maritime territory.
Sugiono also stressed that Indonesia remains a supporter of the freedom of navigation and expressed hope for the smooth flow of maritime traffic that is free and mutually beneficial.
"We also hope for free passage, and I think that is a commitment shared by many nations: to create a shipping lane that is free, neutral, and mutually supportive," Sugiono remarked as reported by Antara.
"So, no. Indonesia is not in a position to do that," Sugiono emphasized, referring to the imposition of tariffs.
Previously, Indonesian Finance Minister Purbaya Sadewa had discussed the possibility of imposing tariffs on vessels passing through the strait.
On Wednesday, April 22, Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan noted that Asian nations situated along the Strait of Malacca have a strategic interest in ensuring the waterway remains open.
"The right of transit passage is guaranteed for everyone. We will not participate in any attempts to close or interdict or to impose tolls in our neighborhood," Balakrishnan stated.
The Malacca Strait is a vital international shipping lane where the legality of passage is protected under Articles 37, 38, and 39 of UNCLOS, a convention Indonesia has ratified.
Read: Singapore Backs Free Passage as Indonesia Mulls Malacca Strait Tax
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