13.04.2026 19:34
Indonesia partially confirmed claims, based on a 'secret document', that it would grant general permission for US military aircraft to use its airspace. The Ministry of Defense stated that the authority lies entirely with them and that the agreement in question, which is in the 'draft stage', is not final and therefore cannot be used as a basis for government policy.
Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoedin's spokesman Rico Ricardo Sirait made a statement regarding claims that general permission would be granted for US military aircraft to use the airspace.
"STILL IN THE DRAFT STAGE"
Rico stated, "The document in circulation is still in the draft stage. It is still within the scope of internal discussions and consultations among government institutions."
Describing this cooperation as a "letter of intent," Rico assessed, "The agreement is not final. This cannot be used as a basis for official government policy."
"AUTHORITY, CONTROL, AND SUPERVISION BELONG TO OUR COUNTRY"
Rico said, "In Indonesian airspace, authority, control, and supervision belong entirely to our country. Any potential regulation must guarantee Indonesia's full authority to approve or reject any activity in its national airspace."
On the other hand, Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie is expected to meet with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth today.
SECRET DOCUMENT HAD SURFACED
The India-based Sunday Guardian news site, in a report based on a "secret document" from the US government, claimed that Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto had discussed the issue of granting general permission for US military aircraft to enter the airspace with Washington.