April 23, 2026 | 11:15 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Japan’s interim business attaché to Indonesia, Myochin Mitsuru, said Tokyo is still awaiting clarity from regional stakeholders regarding the proposed tariff issue in the Strait of Malacca.
“We are still waiting for the positions of the countries involved,” Myochin said during a media discussion at the Japanese Embassy in Jakarta on April 23, 2026.
He noted that the issue extends beyond Indonesia alone, stressing that neighboring coastal states—Malaysia and Singapore—must also be consulted. “A decision on the Malacca Strait cannot be made by Indonesia alone. We are still waiting for input from Malaysia and Singapore,” he said.
The remarks follow earlier comments from Indonesian Finance Minister Purbaya Sadewa, who had floated the possibility of imposing tariffs on vessels passing through the strait.
Myochin also recalled discussions between President Prabowo Subianto and Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae during a meeting on March 31, 2026, which included cooperation under the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) framework.
He said the Malacca Strait remains a strategically important chokepoint within the Indo-Pacific, closely linked to broader geopolitical dynamics, including other key routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.
Interim Business Attach of the Japanese Embassy to Indonesia, Myochin Mitsuru, provides an explanation during a media discussion at the Japanese Embassy, Jakarta, April 23, 2026. Tempo/Mitra Tarigan
Under the FOIP vision first introduced by former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Japan and Indonesia aim to promote a stable international order based on the rule of law, ensuring peace, prosperity, and freedom of navigation across the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
“The Indo-Pacific, including the Malacca Strait, is envisioned as open and free. FOIP is intended to strengthen connectivity and contribute to global development,” Myochin said.
Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan also weighed in, stressing that countries along the strait have a strong interest in keeping the waterway open. “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 April 22, 2026.
The Malacca Strait is recognized as an international shipping route under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), specifically Articles 37 to 39, which guarantee transit passage rights.
Separately, Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono reiterated on April 23 that Indonesia will not impose tariffs in the strait, saying such a move would not be in line with UNCLOS.
He stressed that Indonesia respects international maritime law and supports freedom of navigation. “We are committed to ensuring free, neutral, and mutually beneficial passage for all countries,” Sugiono said. “Indonesia is not in a position to impose such tariffs.”
Read: Japan Seeks to De-Escalate Tensions in the Middle East
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Sugiono: Indonesia Will Not Impose Malacca Strait Tariffs
11 jam lalu
Previously, Finance Minister Purbaya Sadewa had discussed the possibility of imposing tariffs on vessels passing through the Malacca Strait.
Singapore Backs Free Passage as Indonesia Mulls Malacca Strait Tax
12 jam lalu
Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore share a mutual strategic interest in keeping the Malacca Strait open.
How Indonesia Floats Ship Tax in Malacca Strait
13 jam lalu
Finance Minister Purbaya believes Indonesia would benefit greatly from taxing vessels passing through the Malacca Strait.
Indonesia: US Warship in Malacca Strait for Regional Patrol
1 hari lalu
In Indonesia, the US warship USS Miguel Keith was detected in waters east of Belawan on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at around 03:00 PM local time.
Today's Top 3 News: Indonesian Navy Confirms US Warship in Malacca Strait
3 hari lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
Navy Confirms US Warship in Malacca Strait Amid Iran Tensions
4 hari lalu
The US warship, the USS Miguel Keith, was detected in the Malacca Strait on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Cyclone Fina Triggers High Waves in Malacca Strait: BMKG Warning
24 November 2025
Indonesia's BMKG has issued an early warning for sailors, effective from November 24 to 27, 2025, due to Tropical Cyclone Fina.
TNI: USS Nimitz May Transit Malacca Strait if It Poses No Threat
20 Juni 2025
TNI explains that the American aircraft carrier USS Nimitz is allowed to transit the Malacca Strait without the coastal state's permission.
One Dead, Two Missing After Boat Accident in Malacca Strait
31 Juli 2024
A harrowing ordeal unfolded on July 29, as a boat carrying seven Indonesian migrant workers returning from Malaysia capsized in the Malacca Strait.
Malaysia, Indonesia Hold Joint Air Patrol to Secure Malacca Strait
26 Mei 2024
Indonesia and Malaysia have conducted a joint air patrol to secure the Malacca Strait, which counts among the vital waterways for global trade.
:strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kly-media-production/medias/4770150/original/051663000_1710247846-20240312-Berbuka_Puasa_di_Istiqlal-HER_2.jpg)
:strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kly-media-production/medias/5417338/original/087225200_1763529762-Buka_Puasa.jpg)
:strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kly-media-production/medias/2898274/original/080785500_1567273060-Pawai-Obor4.jpg)
