Indonesian Defense Minister Says Airspace Access LOI with US is Not a Commitment Amid Controversy
Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin stated in a parliamentary hearing on the 19th that he signed a letter of intent with the U.S. last month regarding opening airspace for American military aircraft, but emphasized that no commitment has been made. The proposal has sparked controversy, with the foreign ministry warning it could risk entangling Jakarta in South China Sea disputes. The request was reportedly first made by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, citing an "emergency situation."
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 19, 2026 at 16:22
- 🔍 Collected: May 19, 2026 at 16:31 (9 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 19, 2026 at 23:24 (6h 52m after Collected)
(CNA Jakarta, 19th, Comprehensive Foreign Report) Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin stated in a parliamentary hearing today that he signed a letter of intent last month with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to "open airspace for the passage of U.S. military aircraft," but stressed that Indonesia has made no commitments.
Reuters reported that Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin pointed out that the letter of intent, signed in Washington, includes respect for the territorial integrity of all countries. It also states that if Indonesia agrees to open its airspace, corresponding mechanisms must be established and local laws respected. "We have made no commitments to the United States. We adhere to our constitution and national interests."
The issue of "opening airspace for the passage of U.S. military aircraft," proposed by the Indonesian Ministry of Defense last month, has caused controversy. According to a previous Reuters report, the Indonesian Foreign Ministry had warned the Defense Ministry at the time that granting the U.S. military "full" permission to fly over Indonesian territory could increase the risk of Jakarta being drawn into the South China Sea disputes.
Sjafrie said that Pete Hegseth initially made the access request during last year's Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meeting, citing an "emergency situation."
Reuters has requested comment from the Pentagon on this matter but did not receive an immediate response as it was early morning and outside of business hours in Washington.
Reuters reported that Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin pointed out that the letter of intent, signed in Washington, includes respect for the territorial integrity of all countries. It also states that if Indonesia agrees to open its airspace, corresponding mechanisms must be established and local laws respected. "We have made no commitments to the United States. We adhere to our constitution and national interests."
The issue of "opening airspace for the passage of U.S. military aircraft," proposed by the Indonesian Ministry of Defense last month, has caused controversy. According to a previous Reuters report, the Indonesian Foreign Ministry had warned the Defense Ministry at the time that granting the U.S. military "full" permission to fly over Indonesian territory could increase the risk of Jakarta being drawn into the South China Sea disputes.
Sjafrie said that Pete Hegseth initially made the access request during last year's Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meeting, citing an "emergency situation."
Reuters has requested comment from the Pentagon on this matter but did not receive an immediate response as it was early morning and outside of business hours in Washington.