Indonesia signed letter of intent but made no commitment to U.S. on airspace access: Defence Minister Sjafrie
Indonesia's Defence Minister announced that a letter of intent was signed with the U.S. regarding military aircraft access to Indonesian airspace, but clarified that no commitments were made. The letter emphasizes respect for territorial integrity and local laws. The issue has sparked controversy in Indonesia, with concerns about potential entanglement in South China Sea conflicts.
- ▪The letter of intent was signed with U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.
- ▪No commitments were made regarding airspace access, according to Defence Minister Sjafrie.
- ▪The Foreign Ministry warned that granting blanket overflight permission could risk conflicts in the South China Sea.
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Indonesia’s Defence Minister said on Tuesday (May 19, 2026) that he had signed a letter of intent (LOI) last month with U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on granting U.S. military aircraft access to Indonesian airspace, but said no commitment was made. Indonesia’s new(ish) aircraft carrier: defence boost or expensive gamble?“The letter of intent signed in Washington mentioned respecting each country’s territorial integrity, the need for a mechanism if Indonesia agreed to airspace access, and respect for local laws,” Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin told a Parliamentary hearing. “We made not a single commitment with the U.S. on airspace. We uphold the Constitution and our National interests,” Mr.
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