Commission I Highlights U.S. Airspace Access Issue, Prioritizes Sovereignty

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Deputy Chairperson of Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Sukamta, has raised concerns over reports of a potential agreement granting the United States (U.S.) access to Indonesia’s airspace, emphasizing that the sovereignty of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia must remain the top priority. He stressed that the circulating information is still speculative.

“As of now, the information circulating remains speculative and has not been supported by any official statement from the Government of Indonesia,” Sukamta said in a written statement in Jakarta on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

The issue emerged following the circulation of a document reportedly originating from the U.S. Department of Defense regarding a strategic plan to obtain blanket overflight access for U.S. military aircraft within Indonesia’s sovereign airspace. Several international media reports have linked the plan to a meeting between Prabowo Subianto and Donald Trump in Washington some time ago, which is seen as signaling a shift in the operational reach of the U.S. military in the Indo-Pacific region.

In response, Sukamta urged caution in addressing strategic issues and warned against drawing premature conclusions before official clarification from the government.

“However, regardless of the situation, we firmly uphold the principle that national interest and state sovereignty must be the top priority in every policy,” he said.

He added that Commission I will continue to actively and constructively carry out its oversight function to ensure that all international cooperation remains in line with the constitution and the interests of the Indonesian people. Sukamta noted that Indonesia is, in principle, open to defense cooperation with various countries, including the United States, as part of efforts to strengthen national capacity.

However, such cooperation must remain within the framework of national interests and must not undermine Indonesia’s long-standing free and active foreign policy. “All forms of cooperation must respect the principle of sovereignty and must not interfere with Indonesia’s free and active foreign policy,” he said.

He further explained that Commission I holds the mandate to oversee defense and foreign policy as part of its constitutional function. Therefore, any strategic agreement affecting national sovereignty and defense should be subject to consultation within the House's oversight mechanism in accordance with prevailing laws and regulations.

These provisions refer to Law No. 24 of 2000 on International Treaties and Constitutional Court Decision No. 13/PUU/XVI/2018 regarding the House's authority in ratifying international agreements.

Regarding the substance of the issue, Sukamta emphasized that Indonesia’s airspace is an inseparable part of national sovereignty. Therefore, any foreign aircraft activity, particularly military operations, must comply with strict permit mechanisms, including diplomatic clearance and security clearance.

“There is no legal basis that allows unrestricted access to national airspace for foreign parties,” he stated.

He also highlighted that Indonesia’s strategic position in the Indo-Pacific requires caution in any policy related to foreign military access, including consideration of its implications for regional geopolitical balance. Sukamta added that government transparency is key to maintaining public trust and preventing misperceptions both domestically and internationally.