Foreign Ministry: All Defence Cooperation Proposals Must Respect Indonesia's Sovereignty

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu) has affirmed that all defence cooperation between Indonesia and foreign partners will continue to respect sovereignty and follow national regulations. “Every form of cooperation arrangement, including with the United States, remains within the framework of Indonesia’s full sovereignty and requires applicable national mechanisms and procedures,” said Kemlu spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang in Jakarta on Wednesday. This was in response to developments regarding a proposal for comprehensive overflight clearance for US aircraft flying in Indonesian airspace, as proposed by the US Department of Defense (Dephan). She explained that the proposal is being discussed through intensive coordination between Kemlu and the Ministry of Defence (Kemhan), often involving input and feedback between institutions. Yvonne stated that input and views between ministries and agencies are a normal part of the national process. As it is still under discussion, the US proposal should not be interpreted as a final decision or a policy that will definitely be implemented. “Every proposal still under discussion will be processed carefully, measurably, and in accordance with official government mechanisms,” she said. The Kemlu spokesperson assured that the Indonesian government always considers evolving global geopolitical dynamics to ensure that every step taken does not create implications for regional stability. The Indonesian government is consistent in its position that every form of cooperation must provide tangible benefits for Indonesia and must not erode the basic principles of state sovereignty and national policy independence, she said. Every cooperation is also ensured not to disrupt “Indonesia’s position as a country that consistently implements an independent and active foreign policy,” Yvonne added. Indonesia and the US signed the Major Defence Cooperation Partnership (MDCP) agreement on Monday (13/4) as a new stage in bilateral defence cooperation between the two countries. It is confirmed that the MDCP does not contain clauses regulating overflight clearance agreements for US military aircraft in Indonesian airspace, given that the proposal is still being studied. Meanwhile, several media outlets have reported that Kemlu previously provided written input to Kemhan to reconsider the overflight clearance proposal submitted by the US Dephan ahead of the MDCP signing.