Foreign Minister States US Aircraft Overflight Permissions in Indonesia Still Under Discussion

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Foreign Minister Sugiono stated that the United States’ request for overflight access in Indonesian territory is still in the process of discussion.

Sugiono explained that this overflight access is a request from the US.

“If we are talking about overflight access, it is an intent conveyed by the American side, which will then go through the process and discussion mechanism,” Sugiono said at the Office of the Presidential Staff, in the Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta, on Wednesday (22/4/2026).

According to Sugiono, the mechanism regarding the overflight access proposal will be determined by Indonesia.

“The mechanism and so on will be in Indonesia. And I think sovereignty and national interests will certainly be the primary consideration,” he emphasised.

According to Sugiono, the government has an obligation to protect the entire Indonesian nation and all Indonesian territory, including in terms of sovereignty and general welfare.

Sugiono also does not see this issue dragging Indonesia into global conflicts.

Furthermore, he stressed that Indonesia is a country with a tradition and free and active foreign policy.

“Yes, similar agreements if carried out with other countries, there is no problem. What the mechanism is like, what the implementation is like,” he continued.

“So, do not perceive it as something that drags Indonesia or threatens sovereignty. With the current world situation, Indonesia will inevitably be affected by whatever happens in the world,” he said.

The issue of the blanket overflight access request originated from a secret US defence document to secure overflight access for US military aircraft through Indonesian airspace.

The document mentions that following a meeting between Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and US President Donald Trump in Washington last February.

It is stated that Prabowo approved a proposal to allow comprehensive overflight permissions for US aircraft through Indonesian airspace.