Indonesia, Singapore agree to keep Strait of Malacca open

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong have jointly committed to maintaining the Strait of Malacca as a vital international shipping route. The leaders made this affirmation during a joint press conference following their bilateral meeting at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Monday, July 6, 2026.

Both nations, sharing a direct border with the strait, recognize its critical importance. "We must maintain security and peace in the strait, as well as safety from pollution, accidents, and piracy," President Prabowo stated. He emphasized that Indonesia and Singapore will coordinate with Malaysia and Thailand to ensure the strait remains accessible to all, in accordance with UNCLOS 1982.

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We must maintain security and peace in the strait, as well as safety from pollution, accidents, and piracy.

Prime Minister Wong highlighted the strait's strategic significance, particularly in light of recent conflicts in the Middle East that disrupted international shipping lanes like the Strait of Hormuz. He stressed that both Singapore and Indonesia share a common interest in guaranteeing freedom of navigation and transit rights for all vessels, as stipulated by international law. As littoral states, they bear the responsibility for ensuring the strait's safety and accessibility.

The meeting, part of the 2026 Singapore-Indonesia Annual Leaders' Meeting, is a routine agenda for the heads of state. During this gathering, Indonesia and Singapore are scheduled to sign approximately 26 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) across various areas of cooperation.

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Indonesia and Singapore are littoral states... will be responsible for ensuring the Strait of Malacca remains safe, open, and accessible to all.