Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono Responds to the Issue of Air Access for the United States, Indonesia's Sovereignty Remains a Priority

Jakarta - Foreign Minister (Menlu) Sugiono responded to issues related to the issue of blanket overflight access or unlimited comprehensive air traffic permits that have been widely reported. This was conveyed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono at the Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta, Wednesday, April 22.

Sugiono also clarified that what was discussed with the United States was overflight access, namely a proposal for access to pass which still had to be discussed through the Indonesian government mechanism.

The government also emphasized that there was no policy that gave foreign parties free access to Indonesian airspace. According to Sugiono, the proposal was only an intensification from the United States.

Therefore, according to him, the discussion cannot be perceived as a step that automatically drags Indonesia into a global conflict. Foreign Minister Sugiono emphasized that the government's obligation remains the same, protecting all Indonesian people, protecting all Indonesian blood, and placing sovereignty and national interests as the main priority.

Sugiono emphasized that if the proposal was discussed, the process must still go through the domestic mechanism. What is the form, how is the implementation, and where is the limit, said Foreign Minister Sugiono, all will be determined in the government's discussion process.