Indonesia's Finance Minister Wants to Learn from Iran’s Malacca Toll Collection, but Singapore and Malaysia Say: We Won’t Join
Seeing Iran collecting tolls at the Strait of Hormuz, Indonesia is now eager to follow suit.
Recently, Indonesian Finance Minister Purbaya stated during an event that since Iran controls a strait and collects tolls, Indonesia could also set up toll stations in the Malacca Strait, with the revenue to be shared equally between Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore—amounting to a substantial sum, as the Malacca Strait is jointly managed by these three countries.
Purbaya also said this idea aligns with President Prabowo’s strategic vision of positioning Indonesia as a key player in global trade, thereby enhancing the country’s international standing.
Not long ago, Prabowo indeed expressed similar thoughts. He emphasized Indonesia’s crucial role in global shipping routes. Besides the Malacca Strait, Indonesia is also a coastal nation along the Sunda Strait and the Lombok Strait—these waterways carry 70% of East Asia’s energy and trade shipments.
Prabowo made a telling remark: “Indonesia has always been a focal point of global attention.” Though he didn’t explicitly mention toll collection, the outside world widely interpreted this as indicating his intention. Now, this idea has been voiced directly by Purbaya, clearly showing Indonesia’s genuine interest.
However, before Indonesia could even begin formal domestic discussions, the proposal was swiftly rejected by the other two neighboring countries. Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian solemnly pledged that Singapore would not impose fees on the Malacca Strait and added that they have already notified both China and the United States accordingly.
Malaysia’s Transport Minister Lu Zhaofu also stated that as a coastal nation of the strait, Malaysia should firmly uphold the principle of free and open passage through the strait, rather than exploiting its geographical advantage to undermine maritime rules.
The clear stance taken by these two nations subtly criticizes Iran while simultaneously drawing a line with Indonesia: if you want to charge tolls, go ahead—just don’t expect us to join you.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1863250273440843/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.