Indonesia Clarifies U.S. Overflight Request Not Part of Defense Pact

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Defense has confirmed that a U.S. request for overflight clearance is not included in the recently signed Major Defense Cooperation Partnership (MDCP).

Head of the Indonesian Defense Information Bureau, Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait, said on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, that the Letter of Intent concerning U.S. aircraft operations over Indonesian airspace is separate from the MDCP framework.

“That agreement on U.S. flight clearance is not part of the MDCP,” he stated, as quoted by Antara.

The MDCP, signed in Washington D.C. on Monday, April 13, by Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, outlines cooperation in defense technology development, operational readiness, professional military education, and strengthening personnel ties.

Rico emphasized that any consideration of U.S. flight activity in Indonesian airspace will prioritize national sovereignty, security, and compliance with both domestic and international law.

“All forms of cooperation must deliver tangible benefits for Indonesia and cannot compromise the principles of sovereignty, independent national policy, or Indonesia’s consistent independent and active foreign policy,” he said.

He added that safeguarding public security and national sovereignty remains the government’s foremost priority in evaluating international defense cooperation.

Rumors had circulated suggesting the MDCP granted the U.S. unrestricted overflight rights in Indonesia. Rico clarified that such provisions are not part of the agreement. Instead, the MDCP is viewed as an opportunity to strengthen Indonesia’s defense capacity while remaining firmly within the boundaries of national interest and foreign policy principles. ***