JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — Indonesian government officials are currently evaluating an American request for military aircraft access through the country’s airspace, according to statements from the nation’s Foreign Ministry on Thursday.
The request became public knowledge through local news reports following the establishment of a Major Defense Cooperation Partnership between Indonesia and the United States, which was revealed by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during a Monday announcement at the Pentagon.
“It is still under internal consideration by the government and the regulatory mechanism continues to be examined carefully. And of course taking into account … Indonesia’s national interests, airspace sovereignty and our independent and active foreign policy,” Yvonne Mewengkang, spokesperson for Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told reporters.
Indonesian Defense Ministry officials confirmed earlier this week that American authorities had submitted the overflight request and that discussions regarding the proposal remain ongoing.
“During the deliberation process, Indonesia made several important adjustments and emphasized that the document is non-binding and does not automatically take effect, and that it still requires further discussion through applicable technical mechanisms and national procedures,” the ministry said in a statement.
