Defence Ministry: US Aircraft Flight Permissions over Indonesian Territory Not Included in MDCP
Indonesia’s Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the Letter of Intent (LoI) or statement of intent regarding air transit permissions or Overflight Clearance submitted by the United States is not included in the Major Defense Cooperation Partnership (MDCP) agreement.
The MDCP is a defence cooperation framework recently signed by Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon in Washington D.C., United States, on Monday, 13 April 2026.
Indonesia and the US have established the Major Defense Cooperation Partnership (MDCP), encompassing three main pillars based on national sovereignty and the principle of mutual respect: military organisation and capacity building; professional military training and education; and operational training and cooperation.
“That (the agreement on US aircraft flight permissions) is not in the MDCP,” said Rico, as quoted by Antara on Tuesday, 14 April 2026.
According to Rico, the points of cooperation regarding permissions for US aircraft activities in Indonesian airspace are still under consideration by the Indonesian government. In the process of considering that proposal, the Indonesian Ministry of Defence will continue to prioritise Indonesia’s sovereignty, national interests, and compliance with applicable national and international law.
Rico also emphasised that every cooperation decision built by the Indonesian Ministry of Defence and the United States must benefit Indonesia. He assured that public security and national sovereignty are the government’s top priorities in determining steps for international cooperation.
“All forms of cooperation must still provide tangible benefits to Indonesia and must not diminish the basic principles of state sovereignty, national policy independence, and Indonesia’s position as a country that consistently implements a free and active foreign policy,” Rico stated.
Regarding the MDCP, Rico said the contents of the military collaboration agreement have been agreed upon by Indonesia and the United States, covering cooperation in developing defence technology capacity, enhancing 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 a free and active foreign policy, national interests, and full respect for state sovereignty,” he said.
It is known that information has circulated regarding an agreement letter between Indonesia and the United States stating that the US has full freedom to cross Indonesian airspace. That agreement letter lists several points of agreement between Indonesia and the United States.