Indonesia confirms actions taken over alleged US military airspace violations

The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has responded to reports alleging 18 violations of Indonesian airspace by US military aircraft. While not explicitly confirming the exact number of incursions, spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang assured that the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) have established mechanisms and have taken specific actions concerning these reported violations.

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Indeed, specifically regarding this (violations by the US military), the TNI itself has a mechanism. If I'm not mistaken, there has been a special report related to this and actions have been taken.

Mewengkang emphasized that the handling of violations by foreign military forces falls under the purview of the TNI. However, she stressed that all decisions must prioritize Indonesia's national interests and territorial sovereignty. "We need to emphasize the importance of continuously placing our national interests and, in this context, the sovereignty of our airspace as a priority," she stated during a press conference.

The issue gained prominence following an international news report by Reuters, which detailed a letter sent by Indonesia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Ministry of Defense. This letter reportedly outlined the 18 alleged violations by US military aircraft, which occurred prior to Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin's visit to the United States and the signing of a cooperation agreement with the US Department of Defense on April 13, 2026.

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We need to emphasize the importance of continuously placing our national interests and, in this context, the sovereignty of our airspace as a priority.

Regarding the proposed "Letter of Intent Overflight Clearance" from the US, which would allow passage through Indonesian airspace, Mewengkang confirmed it is still under internal government review. She reiterated that all aspects, including mechanisms and detailed arrangements, are being carefully examined with a focus on national interests and airspace sovereignty. The Ministry of Defense has stated that the US proposal is non-binding and requires further discussion through established national technical and procedural channels.

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And regarding the mechanism, the arrangements, and various details, they still need to be carefully reviewed, certainly prioritizing our national interests and the sovereignty of our airspace.