Defence Minister and Retired TNI Generals Discuss US Proposal for Indonesian Airspace Clearance
Head of Information for the General Secretariat of the Ministry of Defence, Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait, revealed that TNI retirees provided input and analysis on the letter of intent (LoI) regarding overflight clearance or permission for crossing Indonesian airspace, as proposed by the United States (US). The Ministry of Defence, he said, is still studying the proposal.
“The retirees naturally have considerations and very good analyses, so it may also be discussed with relevant ministries and agencies, as well as the DPR, regarding that letter of intent,” Rico told reporters after the meeting between the Defence Minister and the retirees at the Ministry of Defence office in Central Jakarta on Friday (24/4/2026).
Rico continued that Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin has already met directly with US representatives. The results of that meeting were brought to today’s fraternity forum with the retirees.
“That was updated by Mr Defence Minister Sjafrie regarding the activities he has carried out, especially the most recent one with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth some time ago. It was conveyed directly to the retirees,” he added.
Previously, Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth agreed to establish the Major Defense Cooperation Partnership (MDCP) on Monday (13/4). The Ministry of Defence stated that the MDCP does not regulate cooperation regarding access to Indonesian airspace for the US military.
“That is not included in the MDCP,” said Head of Defence Information Bureau (Karo Infohan) of the General Secretariat of the Ministry of Defence, Brigadier General TNI Rico Ricardo Sirait, quoted by Antara on Tuesday (14/4).
Rico conveyed that the points of cooperation regarding permission for US aircraft activities in Indonesian airspace are still being considered by the Indonesian government. Rico said the Ministry of Defence prioritises Indonesian sovereignty, national interests, and compliance with applicable national and international law.
Rico noted that the signed agreement contains cooperation on developing defence technology capacity, improving operational readiness, professional military education, and strengthening defence personnel relations between the two countries.
“This cooperation is seen as an opportunity to strengthen national defence capacity, but it will still be carried out within the framework of active independent foreign policy, national interests, and full respect for state sovereignty,” he said.