US, Indonesia discussing proposal allowing US military overflight in Indonesian airspace, defence ministry says

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JAKARTA, April 13 (Reuters) – Indonesia and the United States are discussing a proposal to grant U.S. military aircraft access over Indonesian airspace, the Indonesian defense ministry said on Monday, adding that an agreement had not yet been reached.

The United States is seeking “full night-time access” for American military aircraft over Indonesian airspace, several media outlets reported Sunday, adding that Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto had approved the proposal.

Responding to the reports, the defense ministry said in a statement that the two countries were still discussing the “Letter of Intent” and that it was only a preliminary draft being discussed internally. The ministry added that the draft is neither final nor binding.

Stating that the control of Indonesian airspace belongs to Indonesia, the ministry added that agreements with other countries will protect Indonesia’s sovereignty and comply with Indonesian laws.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is set to meet with his Indonesian counterpart Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin later Monday, according to an advisory issued by the US government.

(Reporting by Ananda Teresia; Writing by Stanley Widianto; Editing by David Stanway)