Indonesia Urges Respect for International Law in the Strait of Hormuz

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – The Indonesian government has emphasized that freedom of navigation must be upheld in the Strait of Hormuz, amid the potential resumption of shipping activities following the ceasefire between the United States and Iran. Indonesia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Vahd Nabyl A. Mulachela, made the statement during a press briefing in Jakarta on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.

He said that the principle of freedom of navigation must be respected by all parties in accordance with international law. “In principle, we call for freedom of navigation to be respected and in line with international law,” Nabyl said

The statement was made in response to proposals from parties involved in the Persian Gulf conflict to impose transit fees on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz. According to him, the ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran opens opportunities for the recovery of shipping activities in the strategic waterway, which had been disrupted by the conflict.

He noted that the development would not only benefit Indonesia but also contribute positively to stability in the Gulf region and global trade. “With this development, we hope it can evolve into a more permanent conflict resolution and bring positive impacts for our interests, both in terms of freedom of navigation and in the future,” he said.

In addition, Nabyl added that Indonesia hopes the security situation in the region will continue to improve so that international shipping activities can proceed safely and smoothly. Previously, U.S. President Donald Trump agreed to a two-week ceasefire with Iran, which includes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran and the United States agreed to the two-week ceasefire on Tuesday, April 7, following more than a month of conflict that began on February 28. For Iran, the ceasefire is seen as a victory, as the United States agreed to a number of demands put forward by Tehran to begin negotiations.