Indonesian Navy Chief Yudi Sadewa revealed that Malaysia imposes passage fees on vessels transiting the Sumatra Strait, mirroring Iran’s approach in the Strait of Hormuz amid its Hormuz security operations. He urged Indonesia to adopt similar measures for the Malacca Strait.
Navy Chief’s Bold Proposal
On April 25 (local time), during interviews with Reuters and other international outlets, Yudi Sadewa emphasized Indonesia’s obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). He stated, “Indonesia must adhere to international maritime laws,” but added, “no agreement exists on passage fees.”
The Navy chief clarified that such fees do not suppress navigation, lack any legal prohibition, and do not infringe on national sovereignty. He affirmed knowledge of the underlying facts.
Joint Security Initiative with Malaysia
Earlier, on April 22 in Jakarta, at an international symposium, Yudi Sadewa announced plans to collaborate with Malaysia on securing the Malacca Strait by imposing passage services. This move targets Iran’s dominant Hormuz toll operations, with the chief noting, “Malaysia possesses the capability to properly enforce comparable fees.”
Leaders stress that roughly 70% of energy shipments and trade flows through the Malaysia Strait route. With a growing workforce and population, toll collection becomes essential, according to officials.
Strategic Importance of Key Routes
The Malaysia cooperation manages 25% of total commercial sea trade volumes. Nations including South Korea and Japan rely on it for 80% of their liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports, which pass through Hormuz.
Iran, following its full-scale conflict declaration with the United States and Israel on February 28, blockaded the Hormuz Strait using its armed forces. Tanker vessels now pay passage fees to traverse it.
Singapore and Malaysia have ramped up joint responses to shared security concerns in the region.
