US Overflight Deal Could Drag Indonesia Into Conflict, Warns Legal Aid Group

The Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) has voiced strong concerns regarding the potential implications of a proposed blanket overflight access agreement between Indonesia and the United States. According to YLBHI, as reported by Tempo, this cooperation could inadvertently entangle Indonesia in regional conflicts, particularly within Southeast Asia and the North Natuna Sea. Muhammad Isnur, the Chairman of YLBHI, stated that granting US military aircraft unrestricted access to Indonesian airspace carries significant risks to the nation's safety and sovereignty, potentially positioning Indonesia as a participant in conflicts it has not chosen.

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This policy has the potential to make Indonesia a part of a conflict that we do not choose.

Isnur emphasized that this proposed policy, which is currently in the early stages of discussion following the signing of a Major Defense Cooperation Partnership (MDCP) between the two nations, could lead to Indonesia being perceived as violating international law. He referenced the UN Charter, which prohibits the use of force against other nations without a legitimate legal basis. Without a direct threat to Indonesia, involvement in such a scheme could be seen as a breach of international legal principles, placing Indonesia in a precarious position.

Furthermore, YLBHI highlighted the potential disruption to regional stability. Southeast Asian nations have historically adhered to the principle of non-violence in conflict resolution, as outlined in the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia. YLBHI fears that Indonesia's participation in such a military arrangement could erode the trust painstakingly built within the region over decades. Isnur asserted that this issue transcends bilateral relations, impacting Indonesia's standing within ASEAN and its commitment to regional peace.

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Without a direct threat to Indonesia, this kind of involvement could be considered a violation.

From YLBHI's perspective, Indonesia's strategic location between two oceans is a primary reason for the US interest in this cooperation, as overflight access could expedite US military mobilization in potential conflict scenarios. However, YLBHI argues that the government must prioritize national interests and regional peace over external military agreements that could compromise Indonesia's neutrality and its role as a stabilizing force in Southeast Asia. This stance reflects a deep-seated concern within Indonesian civil society about maintaining sovereignty and avoiding entanglement in geopolitical rivalries.

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This is not just about bilateral relations, but also about Indonesia's position in ASEAN and its commitment to regional peace.