Open Skies, Open Questions: Indonesia’s Airspace and the Price of Partnership

Indonesia and the United States are discussing a potential overflight arrangement alongside a broader Major Defence Cooperation Partnership focused on military modernization and operational cooperation. The proposal would move from Indonesia’s current case-by-case clearance system for foreign military aircraft toward a notification-based mechanism, raising discussions about oversight, legal frameworks, and strategic implications. Key considerations include the scope of permitted missions, the status of Indonesian sovereign airspace and archipelagic corridors, and the consistency of the arrangement with Indonesia’s non-aligned foreign policy principles. The analysis highlights the importance of clear operational limits, reciprocal terms, domestic review mechanisms, and transparent policymaking in shaping any future agreement.

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