Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has considered the idea of imposing a tax on shipping routes in the Malacca Strait, similar to Iran’s plan to charge vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

He stated that such a policy could potentially be implemented, given Indonesia’s strategic maritime position, which has often been emphasized by President Prabowo Subianto.

“As the president has pointed out, Indonesia is not a peripheral country. We are located along key global trade and energy routes, yet ships passing through the Malacca Strait are not charged. I question whether that is appropriate,” Purbaya said at the PT SMI 2026 Symposium in Jakarta on Wednesday (April 22, 2026).

According to him, the concept of taxing international trade routes in the Malacca Strait could be pursued through collective cooperation with Malaysia and Singapore, which also share the area.

He added that if Iran proceeds with charging ships in the Strait of Hormuz, then dividing revenue among Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore for the Malacca Strait could be beneficial, especially since Indonesia controls the largest and longest portion of the route.

However, Purbaya acknowledged that such a concept may not be easily implemented and could face significant challenges, despite Indonesia holding the largest share of the strait’s waters.

He noted that Singapore’s portion is relatively small, while Malaysia and Indonesia share the rest, but the situation is not as simple in practice. Therefore, with all its resources, Indonesia should not adopt a defensive mindset but instead begin taking a more proactive approach, while still proceeding carefully and strategically.