JAKARTA, April 23 -- Indonesian Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has sparked discussion after briefly suggesting the country could consider charging ships using the Strait of Malacca, before quickly clarifying that the idea was not feasible.

The remarks came amid renewed global attention on strategic waterways following Iran's reported move to impose charges on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz during heightened regional tensions.

"We are on a strategic global trade and energy route, but we do not charge ships passing through the Strait of Malacca.

"Now Iran is looking to charge ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz," Purbaya was quoted by Singapore-based news outlet The Straits Times as saying during a financial sympos...