Foreign Air Access Discourse Criticized, States Asked to Hold Fast to Free and Active Politics

JAKARTA - Bakrie University International Relations academic Yuda Kurniawan reminded that the plan to grant access to foreign aircraft in Indonesian airspace must be carefully studied so as not to interfere with the principle of free foreign policy.

According to Yuda, every policy in the defense and security sector must remain based on these basic principles, so as not to drag Indonesia into the geopolitical interests of major countries.

"The question is, is this plan really in line with free and active politics, or does it have the potential to draw Indonesia into the vortex of global rivalry," he said in a public discussion in Jakarta, Wednesday, April 29.

He assessed that the readiness of the national air defense system was an important factor before opening access to foreign parties. Indonesia, he said, must ensure that air surveillance and law enforcement capabilities run optimally.

This includes the readiness of the main tools of the weapons system (alutsista), such as radars and interceptor aircraft, as well as integrated command and control systems.

Apart from technical aspects, Yuda also highlighted the need for mature geopolitical calculations, especially amid the increasing rivalry between the United States and China in the region. Without proper calculations, the policy is considered risky to place Indonesia in a vulnerable strategic position.

"There must be clear risk mitigation, including the possibility of using Indonesian airspace for military or intelligence purposes against third countries," he said.

The statement was made during a discussion entitled "Indonesia's Sky is Not a Free Zone: Criticizing Foreign Military Access Policy in the Perspective of Air Sovereignty, National Defense Policy, and National Pride" held by the Indonesia Youth Congress in Central Jakarta.

Yuda emphasized that every international agreement related to political, security, and economic issues must refer to Law Number 37 of 1999 concerning Foreign Relations. In addition, the process must also go through discussion and approval by the Indonesian House of Representatives.

As a recommendation, he encouraged the government to strengthen the modernization of air defense and prioritize active defensive diplomacy. This step is considered important to maintain sovereignty while ensuring international cooperation continues without sacrificing national interests.

"Indonesia must remain open in international cooperation, but must not sacrifice the principles of sovereignty and national interests," he said.