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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Conflict & Security

Indonesian Navy Confirms US Warship Transit in Malacca Strait; Police Probe UI Harassment Claims

From Tempo · (3d ago) Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The Indonesian Navy confirmed a US warship, the USS Miguel Keith, transited the Malacca Strait in accordance with international law.
  • Separately, Jakarta Police are investigating allegations of sexual harassment among University of Indonesia students, though no formal report has been filed.
  • Indonesian state-owned oil company Pertamina is still evaluating potential price adjustments for its Pertamax fuel following recent increases in other fuel types.

The Indonesian Navy has officially confirmed the presence of a US warship, the USS Miguel Keith, navigating the strategically vital Malacca Strait. First Admiral Tunggul, spokesperson for the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL), clarified that the vessel was exercising its right of transit passage, a standard procedure under international law. The warship was detected on Saturday, April 18, 2026, heading northwest at a moderate speed. Tunggul emphasized that the Malacca Strait is a crucial international waterway, and such transits are routine and lawful, occurring between parts of the high seas or exclusive economic zones.

The transit passage refers to continuous, expeditious passage through the territorial sea or strait from one part of the high seas or an exclusive economic zone to another.

— First Admiral TunggulExplaining the legal definition of transit passage for warships.

In a separate development, the Jakarta Metro Jaya Police are actively gathering information regarding alleged sexual harassment incidents involving students at the University of Indonesia (UI). While reports suggest that 16 students are suspected of engaging in verbal and digital harassment through a WhatsApp group, Chief of Public Relations Sr. Comr. Budi Hermanto stated that no formal police report has yet been lodged. Despite the absence of a formal complaint, the police have initiated coordination with UI officials, including the Directorate of Women and Children's Protection and Anti-Human Trafficking, to address the matter proactively.

The presence of the US warship in the Malacca Strait is part of lawful international navigation activities.

— First Admiral TunggulConfirming the legality and routine nature of the US warship's passage.

Meanwhile, the Indonesian state-owned oil company PT Pertamina Patra Niaga is reviewing potential price changes for its non-subsidized fuel products, Pertamax and Pertamax Green. This evaluation follows recent price hikes for Pertamax Turbo, Dexlite, and Pertamina Dex. Corporate Secretary Roberth MV Dumatubun indicated that the adjustments are still under consideration, with the company aligning its pricing with relevant regulations after coordinating and reporting on the matter. The public awaits further announcements regarding these fuel price adjustments.

As of today, the Metro Jaya Police has not officially received a police report.

— Sr. Comr. Budi HermantoStating the current status of the sexual harassment investigation at UI.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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