Parliament: Indonesian Airspace Policy for Foreign Militaries Must Be Transparent
Indonesia’s House of Representatives will continue to carry out its oversight function to ensure that national interests and state sovereignty remain the top priority.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Chairman of Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Dave Laksono, stated that policies on access to airspace in the territory of the Republic of Indonesia by foreign militaries must go through official mechanisms, be transparent, and comply with the law.
According to him, every policy concerning access by foreign militaries is a highly sensitive matter and must go through official mechanisms in accordance with national law and diplomatic principles that safeguard national interests.
“Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives always monitors strategic issues related to Indonesia’s airspace sovereignty,” said Dave in Jakarta on Monday, responding to news about an agreement between Indonesia and the United States (US) stating that the US has full freedom to cross Indonesian airspace.
“Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives cannot provide further comments until there is official clarity from the government,” he said.
Indonesia, he said, has strict regulations regarding the Indonesian Archipelagic Sea Lanes (ALKI) and strategic air routes. Therefore, he stated that any changes to the permit mechanisms, especially those that are comprehensive without case-by-case approval, must undergo in-depth studies and clear political approval.
Previously, the Head of the Defence Information Bureau of the General Secretariat of the Ministry of Defence, Brigadier General TNI Rico Ricardo Sirait, emphasised that Indonesian air authority remains under government control.
“The Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Indonesia affirms that the authority, control, and supervision over Indonesian airspace are entirely under the sovereignty of the Indonesian state,” said Rico in an official press release received in Jakarta on Monday.