Buzz Over US Military Seeking Access to Indonesian Airspace: Ministry of Transportation's Response

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Several media reports have revealed that Washington is targeting blanket overflight access or comprehensive flight permissions for its military fleet in Indonesian airspace. Those reports even claim that President Prabowo Subianto has approved the strategic proposal submitted by the Pentagon.

The Ministry of Transportation has finally responded to the circulating news. Acting Head of Public Relations and General Affairs at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Endah Purnama Sari, explained regarding the plan to grant overflight access for foreign military aircraft through Indonesian airspace that the Indonesian government is always committed to maintaining national airspace sovereignty in accordance with national legal provisions and international law, including those regulated in the International Civil Aviation Convention (Chicago Convention 1944).

“Every aviation activity, particularly those related to state aircraft, including foreign military aircraft crossing Indonesian airspace, must obtain diplomatic clearance (diplomatic clearance) and security clearance (security clearance) from the Government of the Republic of Indonesia in accordance with applicable laws and regulations,” she said in a written statement on Monday (13/4/2026).

The Ministry of Transportation carries out strict regulation and supervision of civil airspace, as well as coordinates with relevant ministries/institutions in every decision-making process concerning the use of airspace by foreign parties. To date, there have been no policy changes regulating the licensing mechanism for foreign state aircraft flights in Indonesian airspace. All procedures remain implemented in accordance with applicable provisions.

The Indonesian government will continue to prioritise the principles of prudence and national interests in responding to every dynamic in the aviation and airspace sector,” she emphasised.