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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Conflict & Security

US Warship in Malacca Strait, Defense Ministry: International Route

From Tempo · (9m ago) Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The Indonesian Ministry of Defense stated that the presence of the US warship USS Miguel Keith in the Malacca Strait does not constitute a violation as it is an international shipping lane.
  • The US warship was transiting through the strait, which is also part of Indonesia's International Sea Lane (ALKI).
  • Indonesian officials emphasized that such transits are normal and fall under the principle of freedom of navigation, a common practice for naval vessels, including those of the United States.

Tempo reports on the Indonesian Ministry of Defense's clarification regarding the presence of the US warship USS Miguel Keith in the Malacca Strait. The ministry asserts that the vessel's passage is lawful, as the strait is an internationally recognized shipping lane and part of Indonesia's International Sea Lane (ALKI).

International transit lane, yes, ALKI (Indonesian Sea Lane) that is passed, is an international freedom of movement lane.

— Brigjen TNI Rico Ricardo SiraitExplaining that the Malacca Strait is an international waterway where freedom of movement applies.

Brigadier General TNI Rico Ricardo Sirait, Head of the Defense Ministry's Information Bureau, stated that the Malacca Strait is an international transit route where freedom of movement is upheld. This statement aims to preempt any concerns or misinterpretations about foreign military vessels operating within Indonesian waters.

Ships, including warships, have the right of transit passage or transit passage.

— Laksamana Pertama TunggulClarifying the legal right of passage for naval vessels through international straits.

Rear Admiral Tunggul, Head of the Navy Information Service, further explained that warships, like other vessels, have the right of transit passage through international straits. This right is exercised in accordance with international law, ensuring continuous and swift passage. The USS Miguel Keith was observed transiting westward at a speed of 13.1 knots.

I think they are usual, yes, patrolling the area.

— SugionoDescribing the routine nature of US naval patrols in the region.

Foreign Minister Sugiono commented that such patrols by US warships in the region are routine and align with the principle of Freedom of Navigation Patrol (FONOP). He noted that these operations are not new and are a standard practice for navies, particularly the US, to assert navigational rights in international waters. Tempo's report underscores Indonesia's stance on maintaining open international sea lanes while asserting its sovereignty and adherence to international maritime law.

There is something called Freedom of Navigation Patrol, right. That's not new, it's not something new.

— SugionoReferencing the established practice of Freedom of Navigation operations.
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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