April 15, 2026 | 03:45 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that the official overflight clearance requested by the United States to allow its aircraft to traverse Indonesian airspace has not yet been issued and remains under intensive review.
"There is no policy that grants foreign parties free access to Indonesian airspace," said Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Mewengkang confirmed that the overflight clearance was a U.S. proposal, but it remains under internal consideration by the Indonesian government.
"The regulatory mechanism must still be carefully reviewed, prioritizing national interests, Indonesian airspace sovereignty, and the principle of an independent and active foreign policy," she added.
Mewengkang emphasized that any form of cooperative arrangement, including those with the U.S., will continue to be within the framework of Indonesia's full sovereignty and will adhere to applicable national mechanisms and procedures.
Defense cooperation between Indonesia and the U.S. focuses on strengthening the broader framework of cooperation.
"Overflight arrangements are not a key pillar of this collaboration," said Yvonne.
Previously, Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait, Head of the Defense Information Bureau of the Indonesian Ministry of Defense's Secretariat General, confirmed that the Major Defense Cooperation Partnership (MDCP) agreement between Indonesia and the U.S. does not include overflight clearance arrangements.
According to Rico, the Indonesian government is still considering the point of cooperation regarding permits for American aircraft to operate in Indonesian airspace.
The government consistently maintains that every cooperative decision made with all partners, including the U.S., must benefit Indonesia.
The MDCP was signed by Indonesian Minister of Defense Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., on Monday, April 13.
Read: Three Pillars of Indonesia-US Defense Ties
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Indonesia Confirms US Flight Permits Not Part of Defense Deal
1 hari lalu
Indonesia's Defense Ministry confirms U.S. LOI on overflight clearance is not included in the Major Defense Cooperation Partnership (MDCP) agreement.
Indonesian House Says Keeping Eye on Airspace Access for US Military
1 hari lalu
The plan to give the US military blanket overflight access in Indonesian airspace is being put under scrutiny.
Indonesia Says No Final Approval for US Military Airspace Access
2 hari lalu
Indonesia's Ministry of Defense says the agreement on US military aircraft access to its airspace is still under internal and inter-agency discussion.
Austria Rejects US Request to Use Its Airspace for Iran War
12 hari lalu
Austria has rejected the United States' request to use its airspace for launching military operations against Iran
Two Emirates Flights from Indonesia Diverted After UAE Drone Crash
29 hari lalu
Two flights from Indonesia were affected by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) airspace closure following drone crash incidents on Monday.
Etihad Airways, Air Canada, and More Adjust UAE Flights Amid Iran War
31 hari lalu
Several airlines from and to the UAE such as Etihad Airways and Air Canada have announced limited and canceled flights amid war in Iran.
Thailand Expects 25% Hit on Tourism If Iran War Lasts Over 3 Months
40 hari lalu
In 2025, Thailand welcomed 33 million international arrivals. Now they are expecting to fall short of target due to the conflict in the Gulf region.
When Middle East Conflict Halts Global Airspace Activity
41 hari lalu
When geopolitical conflict escalates in the Middle East, the first thing to change is not only military dynamics or diplomacy, but also airspace.
Indonesia's Soekarno-Hatta Airport Cancels Middle East Flights Amid Airspace Closure
45 hari lalu
Several flights to and from the Middle East at Soekarno-Hatta Airport are canceled due to the closure of airspace in Middle East countries.
Iran Closes Airspace as Israel Launches Attack
46 hari lalu
The Israeli attack occurred amidst diplomatic efforts between US and Iranian officials to reach an agreement on Tehran's nuclear program.
