Ministry of Defence States US Proposal for Overflight Clearance Document is Non-Binding

Indonesia’s Ministry of Defence (Kemenhan) has stated that the draft Letter of Intent (LoI) for Overflight Clearance, related to US military aircraft crossing Indonesian airspace, is not yet final. Kemenhan emphasised that this is a proposal from the US side, which will subsequently serve as material for internal consideration by the Indonesian government.

“The proposal is being carefully reviewed based on national interests, Indonesia’s foreign policy principles, and state sovereignty,” said Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait, Head of Information at the Secretariat General of Kemenhan, in Jakarta on Tuesday (14/4/2026).

According to him, during the discussion process, Indonesia has made several important adjustments. Rico stressed that the document is non-binding and does not automatically take effect. “It still requires further discussion through applicable technical mechanisms and national procedures,” he said.

He noted that Kemenhan affirms that every potential cooperation, including those in proposal form and under discussion, will always be placed within the framework of safeguarding the sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia. National interests and compliance with national and applicable international law will always be Kemenhan’s guiding principles.

“Therefore, every forward step will be taken cautiously, measurably, and involving official government mechanisms according to the authority of each relevant agency,” Rico stated.

He added that Kemenhan views defence relations with the US as part of defence diplomacy that continues to be developed in a balanced and constructive manner. However, all forms of cooperation must still provide tangible benefits for Indonesia and must not diminish the basic principles of state sovereignty.

“(Also) national policy independence, as well as Indonesia’s position as a country that consistently implements a free and active foreign policy,” Rico explained.