Indonesia weighs proposal allowing US military overflights

[JAKARTA] Indonesia and the US are exploring a proposal that could allow US military overflights through Indonesian airspace, with talks still at an early stage as both sides explore closer defence cooperation.

Responding to news reports about a possible agreement on Monday (Apr 13), Indonesia’s Defense Ministry confirmed a draft letter of intent that is currently in circulation, though it did not mention specifics.

It also said that the document is preliminary, remains under inter-agency review, “carries no binding legal force and cannot serve as the basis for official government policy”.

Indonesia said any potential arrangement would be subject to a “careful, rigorous and multi-layered” review process involving multiple stakeholders.

It added that it would retain full authority to approve or reject any activity within its national airspace.

The negotiations come as Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto was in Russia on Monday, as part of a diplomatic push to engage major powers.

Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin visited the US, where he and counterpart Pete Hegseth announced a “major defence cooperation partnership”.

This partnership “signifies the strength and potential of our security relationship”, Hegseth said on Monday. It “bolsters regional deterrence and advances our shared commitment to peace through strength”.

Even limited US military overflight access through Indonesia would enhance Washington’s ability to move its forces quickly, across a strategically vital corridor linking the Pacific with other theatres.

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This is something that has become increasingly important amid tensions with China and conflict in the Middle East.

For Jakarta, the talks reflect a balancing act under Prabowo, as Indonesia seeks to strengthen its military posture despite fiscal constraints.

It is unclear what Indonesia would gain in return, and the overflight deal alone risks testing its non-aligned stance.

“Any defence cooperation discussions with other countries are conducted within a framework that prioritises national interests, fully safeguards Indonesia’s sovereignty and adheres to applicable national and international law,” its defence ministry stated. BLOOMBERG