So has another Muslim country started following the path of Iran? Discussion on toll on Malacca Strait also intensified

New Delhi: A statement by Purbaya Yudhi Sadeva, the Finance Minister of Indonesia, another Islamic country across the seven seas from Iran, had created a stir across the world. He indicated that his country could earn money by imposing tolls on ships passing through the Strait of Malacca. This had increased the fear that after the Strait of Hormuz, now the movement of ships on Malacca may become difficult.

However, now the Indonesian minister has given clarification on this. According to news agency Reuters, on Friday (24 April 2026) the Finance Minister clarified that there is no plan to collect toll from ships passing through the Malacca Strait. Earlier on Thursday, the country’s Foreign Minister had also said the same thing.

No planning to collect toll – Indonesia 

Indonesia’s Finance Minister had said that the country can earn good money by imposing toll on ships passing through the strait under its control. After this statement, speculations began that like Iran, Indonesia may also charge toll on the Malacca Strait. But now he reiterated that Indonesia, Southeast Asia’s largest economy, will not charge any transit fees in the Malacca Strait.

He told a press conference that Indonesia would abide by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which sets rules for waterways used for international navigation. On Wednesday (22 April 2026), Purbaya had described Strait as a source of income. However, he also said that such an arrangement is not possible at present.

Tension increased due to closure of Hormuz 

After the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz in the Middle East, concerns have increased in Asian countries about the security of other sea routes. Iran has virtually closed the Strait of Hormuz in response to the joint US and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28. Now only a few ships are being allowed to pass through there.

There are reports that Iran will collect toll in exchange for providing safe passage to ships. The Strait of Hormuz is between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. This is very important for global energy supply. About 20% of the world’s total oil supply passes through this route. Due to its closure, the oil and gas supply of Gulf countries has fallen and energy prices have increased.