US, Indonesia discuss allowing US military overflight in Indonesian airspace
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US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth is set to meet his Indonesian counterpart, Mr Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, on April 13.
PHOTO: REUTERS
JAKARTA – Indonesia and the United States are discussing a proposal to give US military aircraft access in Indonesian airspace, Indonesia’s defence ministry said on April 13, adding that no deal has yet been reached.
The US is seeking “blanket overnight access” for US military aircraft through Indonesian airspace, several media outlets reported on April 12, adding that Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto had approved the proposal.
Responding to the reports, the defence ministry said in a statement that the two countries are still discussing the “letter of intent”, and that there is only a preliminary draft that is being discussed internally.
The draft is neither final nor binding, the ministry added.
Control over Indonesian airspace belongs to Indonesia, the ministry said, adding that deals with other countries will protect Indonesia’s sovereignty and adhere to Indonesian law.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth is set to meet his Indonesian counterpart, Mr Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, later on April 13, according to an advisory released by the US government. REUTERS
