Defence Minister Sjafrie Gathers Retirees to Discuss US Airspace Permission Letter of Intent

Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and TNI retirees discussed the Letter of Intent (LOI) or statement of intent regarding the airspace transit permission requested by the United States.

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.

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 in the meeting, the retirees provided analyses and suggestions related to 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 related ministries and agencies, with 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 what analyses the retirees provided to Sjafrie and the TNI officials.