Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore reaffirm commitment to free, safe Malacca Strait
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Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore reaffirmed their shared commitment to keep the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS) free, open and safe for international shipping at the 17th Co-operation Forum held in Singapore, according to a joint statement on Tuesday (25 August).
The statement was released by Indonesia’s Directorate General of Sea Transportation (DGST), Malaysia Marine Department (MMD) and Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).
The Littoral States affirmed the status of the SOMS as a Strait Used for International Navigation, where the right of transit passage applies, as enshrined in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and reflected in customary international law. They underscored the importance of respecting navigational rights and freedoms both in principle and practice.
The Littoral States also reaffirmed the important roles played by User States, international organisations, the maritime industry and other stakeholders in sharing responsibility for and contributing to the safety of navigation and environmental protection in the SOMS.
At the 17th Co-operation Forum, the Littoral States and stakeholders will discuss proposals to further these efforts, including the safe introduction of new technologies and alternative fuels in the SOMS, and review ongoing technical projects to enhance navigational safety.
The Co-operative Mechanism established by Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore in 2007 provides the framework for this co-operation. It enables Littoral States to work together with User States and other stakeholders on navigational safety and environmental protection in the SOMS. Its establishment gave practical effect, for the first time, to Article 43 of UNCLOS.
The Littoral States also renewed their commitment to uphold the objective and founding principles of the Co-operative Mechanism.
The Littoral States further expressed their appreciation to stakeholders for their longstanding contributions to the Co-operative Mechanism and encouraged their continued support and participation.
More than 300 delegates from over 125 countries and organisations are expected to attend the two-day forum from 25 to 26 August 2026.
Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 25 August, 2026
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