Foreign Ministry Acknowledges Reminding Defence Ministry on US Overflight Clearance Request
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemenlu) has acknowledged reminding the Ministry of Defence (Kemenhan) to be cautious with a defence cooperation proposal concerning the use of Indonesian airspace for US military purposes. Spokesperson Yvonne Mawengkang emphasised that every cooperation arrangement between Indonesia and other countries, including the US, must prioritise full national sovereignty as the primary basis for agreements.
“The government asserts that there is no policy granting unrestricted access to foreign parties for using Indonesian airspace,” Yvonne told Republika on Tuesday (15/4/2026).
“Every form of cooperation arrangement, including with the United States, remains within the framework of Indonesia’s full sovereignty and still requires applicable national mechanisms and procedures,” she added.
Kemenlu issued this reminder in a closed communication to Kemenhan some time ago. According to Yvonne, such inter-ministerial communication is routine and necessary as input and perspective to ensure the integrity of national interests.
“Communication between ministries is commonplace in the policy formulation process,” she said. Yvonne explained that the specific military-defence cooperation regarding the use of Indonesian airspace by the US military without permission or overflight was actually a proposal from Uncle Sam to Kemenhan.
However, the overflight proposal is still under serious internal government discussion. “Regarding overflight, this is a proposal from the United States that remains part of the Indonesian government’s internal considerations. The regulatory mechanism is still being carefully reviewed, ensuring the prioritisation of national interests, Indonesian airspace sovereignty, and the principle of an active and independent foreign policy as the primary foundation,” Yvonne stated.
Meanwhile, Yvonne noted that the Indonesia-US defence cooperation signed at the Pentagon on Monday (13/4/2026) does not address the overflight proposal. “The Indonesia-US defence cooperation itself focuses on strengthening a broader cooperation framework, while overflight arrangements are not a main pillar of that cooperation,” Yvonne said.
She assured that Kemenlu will continue to monitor and provide input to ensure that the military-defence cooperation pushed by the US does not undermine Indonesia’s sovereignty and national interests.
“The government asserts that every input and perspective between ministries and institutions is part of a normal national process. Any proposals still under discussion will be processed meticulously, measurably, and in accordance with official government mechanisms, so they cannot be interpreted as final decisions or applicable policies,” said Yvonne.
Furthermore, Yvonne stated that the US-Indonesia military-defence cooperation should not bring negative perspectives or geopolitical anxieties in Southeast Asia or the Asia-Pacific.
“The government is also seriously observing the current evolving global geopolitical dynamics, so that every step taken does not create implications for regional stability. All forms of cooperation must provide real benefits for Indonesia and must not disregard or diminish the fundamental principle of state sovereignty,” Yvonne added.