Ministry of Defence to Discuss US Overflight Clearance with DPR

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Head of the Defence Information Bureau at the Ministry of Defence, Brigjen TNI Rico Ricardo Sirait, revealed that the Ministry of Defence will discuss the proposal for overflight clearance submitted by the United States (US) to pass through Indonesian airspace with the House of Representatives (DPR RI). “Therefore, it may also be discussed with relevant ministries and agencies, with the DPR, regarding that Letter of Intent,” said Rico when met at the Ministry of Defence RI, Jakarta, on Friday (24/4/2026). Rico mentioned that the Minister of Defence RI, Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, has also received input from retired TNI generals in a meeting held on Friday morning. Previously, the Ministry of Defence emphasised that the issue of overflight clearance proposed by the United States (US) is not included in the Major Defence Cooperation Partnership (MDCP) agreement between the two countries. In the discussion process, Indonesia has made several important adjustments and emphasised that the document is non-binding and not automatically applicable, and still requires further discussion through applicable technical mechanisms and national procedures,” said Rico.