Indonesia, US discuss military overflight access as Jakarta says no deal reached

Indonesia and the United States are discussing a proposal to grant US military aircraft access over Indonesian airspace, the defence ministry said on Monday, 13 April 2026, adding that no agreement has been reached and any draft remains non-binding.

The statement follows reports that Washington is seeking “blanket overnight access” for American military aircraft, with some media outlets claiming Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto had approved the proposal.

Indonesia’s defence ministry said the two countries are still discussing a “Letter of Intent”, stressing that only a preliminary draft exists and is being reviewed internally.

“The document is not a final agreement, does not yet have legally binding force, and cannot be used as the basis for official policy of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia,” said Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait, head of the ministry’s information bureau, in a statement.

Rico added that the proposal remains in its “initial design stage” and must undergo a “careful, strict, and multi-layered review process” involving relevant stakeholders before further consideration.

According to reports from the Sunday Guardian, the proposal would allow US aircraft overflight access for emergency operations, crisis response missions, and jointly agreed military exercises.

A document titled Operationalising US Overflight, reportedly sent on 26 February, stated that “US aircraft may transit immediately upon notification, until further deactivation notice by the United States.”

The reports also linked the proposal to a meeting between Prabowo and US President Donald Trump in Washington in February.

Sovereignty and legal framework emphasised

Indonesian officials reiterated that control over national airspace remains fully under Jakarta’s authority.

“We emphasise that the authority, control, and supervision of Indonesian airspace remains fully in the hands of Indonesia,” Rico said.

He added that any future arrangement would require government approval on a case-by-case basis and must comply with national laws, institutional mechanisms, and political decision-making processes.

The ministry also said defence cooperation with other countries would continue to be guided by “mutual respect, trust, and mutual benefit” without compromising national interests and sovereignty.

Parliamentary scrutiny and public debate

Indonesia’s parliament is also monitoring the issue, with Deputy Chair of Commission I, Sukamta, describing the reports as speculative and calling for caution.

“Until now, the information remains speculative, and there has been no official statement from the Indonesian government. National interests and sovereignty must remain the top priority,” he said.

Sukamta stressed that any defence cooperation involving foreign states must be consulted with parliament and comply with legal frameworks governing international agreements and military operations.

He added that “there is no legal basis to give unrestricted airspace access to another country,” noting that foreign military flights are subject to strict permit mechanisms, including diplomatic and security clearances.

The issue has drawn attention on social media following reports by foreign media, prompting calls for the government to provide “a comprehensive, proportional, and fact-based explanation”.

Strategic and regional considerations

Lawmakers highlighted Indonesia’s strategic position in the Indo-Pacific and the need to maintain regional stability.

Sukamta said any policy decision must consider geopolitical implications, adding that Indonesia’s location requires a commitment to balance and stability in the region.

He also emphasised that all international cooperation must align with Indonesia’s independent and active foreign policy while respecting sovereignty.

The developments come as US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is scheduled to meet Indonesia’s Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin later on Monday, according to a US government advisory.

Indonesia’s defence ministry urged the public to respond carefully to circulating information while discussions remain ongoing.