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An Indonesian minister floated the idea of a Malacca Strait levy. It sank within 24 hours
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Indonesia's walk back on the Strait of Malacca toll has exposed mixed signals and policy confusion, observers say.
PHOTO: EPA
- Indonesia's Finance Minister's remark about charging ships in the Strait of Malacca sparked regional concern, prompting swift official clarification.
- Indonesia's Foreign Minister reaffirmed commitment to international law and freedom of navigation, disavowing any toll plan due to UNCLOS alignment.
- The episode revealed poor inter-ministerial coordination, potential fiscal pressures, and the global diplomatic weight of ministers' casual remarks.
AI generated
JAKARTA – It began as the sort of remark that might once have passed with little notice: Speculative, lightly delivered and aimed at a domestic audience.
But, within hours, a comment on April 22 by Indonesian Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa about charging ships a toll to pass through the straits of Malacca and Singapore triggered swift responses from its closest neighbours and forced Jakarta into a public clarification.
