00:00What if ships passing through the Straits of Melaka suddenly had to pay a levy,
00:05an idea Indonesia is now exploring, despite opposition from Malaysia and Singapore?
00:11Indonesian Finance Minister Purbaya Yudi Sadewa said the plan supports President Prabowo Subianto's
00:17push to position Indonesia as a major force in global trade, referencing Iran's toll system
00:24in the Strait of Hormuz as a possible model. He added that any levy in the Straits of
00:29Melaka would require coordination with neighboring countries, but said the plan is still in its
00:34early stages and may face opposition from the total states and the global shipping industry.
00:40Purbaya highlighted that ships currently pass through the Straits of Melaka without being charged,
00:46adding that the country should start thinking more offensively in a measured way.
00:51Yesterday, Transport Minister Lok Su Fuk told a roundtable session in Singapore that Malaysia
00:57remains committed to ensuring both freedom of navigation and freedom of transit in the Straits.
01:02Earlier today, Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said passage through
01:07the busy Straits must remain free for all, adding that the city-state will not support
01:12any attempts to restrict it. Hanyu Jo, FMT.
Comments