Japan awaits regional clarity on Malacca Strait tariff proposal

Japan has said it is awaiting clarity from regional stakeholders regarding a proposed tariff on vessels transiting the Strait of Malacca, as Indonesia reiterated its commitment to international maritime law and freedom of navigation.

Speaking at a media discussion at the Japanese Embassy in Jakarta on 23 April 2026, Japan’s interim business attaché to Indonesia, Myochin Mitsuru, stated that Tokyo had yet to receive clear positions from countries bordering the strait.

“We are still waiting for the positions of the countries involved,” he said, adding that any decision concerning the waterway must involve not only Indonesia but also neighbouring coastal states such as Malaysia and Singapore.

“A decision on the Malacca Strait cannot be made by Indonesia alone. We are still waiting for input from Malaysia and Singapore,” he added.

Indonesian proposal prompts responses

The remarks follow earlier statements by Indonesia’s Finance Minister, Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa, who had outlined a hypothetical proposal to levy charges on ships passing through the strait—one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors.

Speaking at a symposium in Jakarta on 22 April, Purbaya suggested that Indonesia could potentially generate revenue from vessels transiting the route, drawing comparisons with practices in the Strait of Hormuz. He also noted that any such arrangement would require cooperation with Malaysia and Singapore, with potential revenue shared among the littoral states.

However, he acknowledged that the proposal remained conceptual and would face significant legal and operational challenges.

Indonesia reaffirms commitment to international law

Indonesia’s Foreign Minister, Sugiono, clarified on 23 April that Jakarta would not impose tariffs in the Malacca Strait, stating that such a move would not align with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

He emphasised Indonesia’s adherence to international maritime law and its support for unimpeded navigation.

“We are committed to ensuring free, neutral, and mutually beneficial passage for all countries. Indonesia is not in a position to impose such tariffs,” Sugiono said.

This position was reinforced by Foreign Ministry spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang, who stated that all government policies concerning international shipping lanes would remain consistent with UNCLOS, the primary legal framework governing maritime conduct.

“All policies adopted by the Government of Indonesia regarding international shipping lanes, including in the Malacca Strait, will always be in accordance with international law, particularly UNCLOS,” she said.

She added that Indonesia’s priority remains the security and stability of the strait, alongside continued coordination with neighbouring countries.

Regional reactions underscore legal constraints

Regional responses have highlighted the legal and diplomatic sensitivities surrounding the proposal. Singapore’s Foreign Minister, Vivian Balakrishnan, stressed that transit rights through the strait are guaranteed under international law and should not be disrupted.

“The right of passage is guaranteed for all countries. We will not support any efforts to close, obstruct, or impose charges in our surrounding waters,” he said on 22 April.

Malaysia has also underscored the need for collective decision-making. Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan stated that no single country can act unilaterally on matters affecting the strait, noting that cooperation among regional stakeholders is essential.

Strategic and geopolitical context

Myochin also referred to discussions between Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto and Japan’s Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae on 31 March 2026, which included cooperation under the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) framework.

First introduced by former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the FOIP vision promotes a rules-based international order, emphasising freedom of navigation, connectivity and economic cooperation across the Indo-Pacific region.

Myochin noted that the Malacca Strait remains a critical chokepoint within this framework, closely linked to broader geopolitical dynamics and other key maritime routes, including the Strait of Hormuz.

“The Indo-Pacific, including the Malacca Strait, is envisioned as open and free. FOIP is intended to strengthen connectivity and contribute to global development,” he said.

A critical global shipping artery

The Malacca Strait, which connects the Andaman Sea to the South China Sea, is one of the most strategically important maritime passages in the world, carrying a significant share of global trade and energy supplies.

Under UNCLOS provisions—particularly those governing transit passage through international straits—ships and aircraft are guaranteed the right of unimpeded passage, limiting the ability of coastal states to impose charges or restrictions.

While no formal policy has been introduced, the proposal to levy vessels has prompted regional consultations and reaffirmations of existing legal frameworks. Officials across the region have indicated that any future measures concerning the strait would require extensive coordination and adherence to international law.