Defence Minister Discusses US Airspace Transit Request with TNI Retirees

Jakarta, VIVA – Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and TNI retirees discussed a Letter of Intent (LOI) or statement of intent concerning the airspace transit permission requested by the United States (US).

The discussion took place when Sjafrie gathered the retirees, who are mostly former TNI Commanders and chiefs of staff, at the Ministry of Defence office in Central Jakarta on Friday.

The Head of the Defence Information Bureau (Karo Infohan) of the Secretariat General of the Ministry of Defence RI, Brigadier General TNI Rico Ricardo Sirait, explained that during the meeting, the retirees provided analyses and advice regarding the LOI submitted by the US.

These varied analyses were given based on considerations of national defence interests.

“The retirees certainly have considerations and very good analyses, so they may also be discussed with relevant ministries and agencies, as well as the DPR, regarding that Letter of Intent,” said Rico during a press conference at the Ministry of Defence office.

However, Rico did not explain in detail the analyses provided by the retirees to Sjafrie and the TNI officials.

Rico assured that all suggestions, criticisms, and analyses from the retirees will become one of the government’s considerations in determining future strategic steps.

“Going forward, it will become part of the evaluation, improvement, or inputs in the development of national defence policies,” Rico explained.

Previously, Rico responded to circulating information in the agreement letter between Indonesia and the United States stating that the US has full freedom to cross Indonesian airspace.

According to Rico, every scheme of defence cooperation plans to be built with other countries is ensured to have been carefully considered and must benefit Indonesia.

Such cooperation schemes must place national interests as the top priority and align with applicable national and international law.

If the cooperation scheme is deemed not beneficial to Indonesia, the government has the right to reject it and maintains full control over the state’s sovereign territory.

“Every possible arrangement still guarantees Indonesia’s full authority to approve or reject any activities in national airspace,” said Rico.