Malacca Strait Ship Tax: Dave Laksono Calls for Comprehensive Review

The Indonesian House of Representatives' Commission I, through its Vice Chairman Dave Laksono, has strongly advised the government to exercise extreme caution and conduct a thorough, comprehensive study before considering any taxation on vessels transiting the Strait of Malacca. This vital international waterway, crucial for global trade, is not merely an Indonesian concern but a shared interest of the global community. Implementing any new levies requires careful consideration of international maritime law, including the rights of innocent passage and transit passage as enshrined in UNCLOS.

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Setiap wacana pengenaan pajak atau pungutan terhadap kapal yang melintas perlu dikaji secara komprehensif dan hati-hati, terutama dengan memperhatikan ketentuan hukum laut internasional, termasuk prinsip hak lintas damai (right of innocent passage) dan transit passage sebagaimana diatur dalam UNCLOS.

Laksono emphasized that Indonesia's foreign policy must remain anchored in its 'free and active' principle. This means any policy with cross-border implications necessitates open dialogue with neighboring countries, particularly Singapore and Malaysia, to prevent regional tensions. The Commission believes that national interests can be safeguarded through a balanced and measured approach, fostering regional cooperation, ensuring the sustainability of international trade routes, and exploring creative solutions for state revenue generation without jeopardizing diplomatic relations with strategic partners.

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Komisi I DPR RI meyakini kepentingan nasional tetap dapat dijaga melalui pendekatan yang terukur dan seimbang.

The initial proposal, voiced by Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa, suggested Indonesia could potentially levy taxes on ships in the Strait of Malacca, drawing a parallel with Iran's practice in the Strait of Hormuz. The rationale was that Indonesia, along with Malaysia and Singapore, could benefit financially, with Indonesia potentially gaining more due to its larger share of the waterway. However, this idea has been met with significant reservations, highlighting the delicate balance Indonesia must strike between fiscal ambitions and its diplomatic responsibilities. The prevailing sentiment among lawmakers is that while increasing state revenue is important, it should not come at the cost of regional stability or Indonesia's standing as a reliable and responsible maritime power.

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Sekarang Iran men-charge Kapal lewat Selat Hormuz. Kalau kita bagi tiga, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapura, lumayan kan? Punya kita jalurnya paling besar, paling panjang.