Foreign Minister Sugiono: Indonesia Will Not Impose Tolls in the Malacca Strait

Foreign Minister of the Republic of Indonesia Sugiono has stated that Indonesia will not impose tariffs in the Malacca Strait, as this would be inconsistent with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Sugiono made this remark in response to journalists’ questions regarding whether Indonesia would introduce tolls in the Malacca Strait. Sugiono further emphasised that Indonesia respects international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). According to Sugiono, UNCLOS is an agreement that recognises Indonesia as an archipelagic state, provided that such a state does not impose tariffs on the straits within its territory. Sugiono also reaffirmed that Indonesia supports freedom of navigation and hopes for smooth, free, and mutually beneficial maritime traffic. “We also hope for free passage, and I believe this is a commitment from many countries to create a free, neutral shipping route that supports each other,” said Sugiono in Jakarta on Thursday, 23 April 2026. “So, no. Indonesia is not in a position to do that (impose tariffs in the Malacca Strait),” he added. Previously, Finance Minister of the Republic of Indonesia Purbaya Sadewa had floated the possibility of imposing tariffs on ships passing through the strait. Then, on Wednesday, 22 April 2026, Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan stated that Asian countries located along the Malacca Strait have a strategic interest in keeping the waterway open. “The right to passage is guaranteed for all countries. We will not participate in any efforts to close, intercept, or impose duties in our surrounding areas,” said Balakrishnan. The Malacca Strait is one of the international shipping routes and is legally passable according to Articles 37, 38, and 39 of UNCLOS, which has been ratified by Indonesia.