Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Minister  of Finance Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa clarified on Friday (24/4/2026) that the Indonesian government has no plans to impose taxes or levies on vessels traversing the Malacca Strait. 

The statement aimed to dispel rumors suggesting a proposed tax for the strategic waterway, which Minister Purbaya noted was discussed out of a serious context.

"We have never planned to collect such taxes," he told reporters in Jakarta, as reported by antaranews.com. 

The Minister emphasized his clear understanding of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), drawing from his previous experience as Deputy for Maritime Sovereignty. He added that Indonesia is legally bound to ensure "freedom of navigation" within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

The Minister’s clarification came following earlier statements from Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono, who reaffirmed that Indonesia upholds international maritime laws. As a ratified member of UNCLOS, Indonesia recognizes the Malacca Strait as an international shipping lane where transit rights are guaranteed, ensuring a free and mutually beneficial maritime traffic flow.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)