JAKARTA, April 22, 2026 — Indonesia has proposed imposing tolls on vessels transiting the strategically vital Strait of Malacca, in a move aimed at boosting state revenue and expanding its influence over global trade routes.
Speaking at a symposium in Jakarta on Wednesday, Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa said the government is exploring the idea under the direction of President Prabowo Subianto. He emphasized that Indonesia should no longer see itself as a peripheral nation, given its position along key global shipping corridors.
Despite being one of the busiest maritime routes for global trade and energy transport, ships currently pass through the Malacca Strait without paying any tolls. Sadewa noted that Indonesia could potentially gain significant economic benefits by introducing such charges, drawing inspiration from discussions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.
However, he acknowledged that implementing the policy would be complex. The Malacca Strait is jointly managed by Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, meaning no single country can unilaterally impose tolls. Regional consensus and careful assessment of the impact on global trade would be essential before any decision is made.
The proposal has already drawn sharp criticism from neighboring countries. Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan stated that the Malacca and Singapore straits must remain open to all vessels, stressing that the right of passage is not a privilege subject to fees.
He added that the straits are governed by international maritime law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which guarantees freedom of navigation through such international waterways.
Echoing similar concerns, Malaysia’s Transport Minister Anthony Loke reaffirmed his country’s commitment to maintaining open and rules-based maritime access. Speaking at Maritime Week 2026 in Singapore, he underscored the importance of upholding international law and ensuring uninterrupted shipping through the strait.
For now, Indonesian officials describe the toll proposal as a preliminary idea, with further regional dialogue and global economic analysis expected before any concrete steps are taken.
