JAKARTA - Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and TNI veterans discussed a Letter of Intent (Lol) or a letter of intent regarding the air traffic permit submitted by the United States (US).
The discussion took place when Sjafrie gathered retired people, most of whom were former TNI Commanders and chief of staff at the Ministry of Defense office, Central Jakarta, Friday.
The Head of the Defense Information Bureau (Karo Infohan) of the Indonesian Ministry of Defense, Brigadier General TNI Rico Ricardo Sirait, explained that during the meeting, the veterans provided analysis and suggestions regarding the LOI submitted by the Americans.
The variety of analysis is given on the basis of consideration of the interests of national defense.
"Retired generals certainly have considerations, have very good analysis, so that later it will also be discussed with the relevant ministries and agencies, with the DPR, regarding the Letter of Intent," said Rico at a press conference at the Ministry of Defense's office.
However, Rico did not explain in detail what kind of analysis the retired generals gave to Sjafrie and the TNI officials.
Rico ensured that all the suggestions, criticisms and analyses provided by the veterans would be one of the government's considerations in determining the strategic steps ahead.
"In the future, it will be part of the evaluation and improvement or input inputs in the development of national defense policies," explained Rico.
Previously, Rico responded to the circulation of information in a letter of agreement between Indonesia and the United States that said that the US had full freedom to cross Indonesian airspace.
According to Rico, every scheme of a defense cooperation plan that will be built with other countries is ensured to have been carefully considered and must benefit Indonesia.
The cooperation scheme must place national interests as the main priority and in line with applicable national and international laws.
If the cooperation scheme is considered not beneficial to Indonesia, then the government has the right to refuse and hold full control over the country's sovereign territory.
"Every possible arrangement still guarantees Indonesia's full authority to approve or reject any activity in the national airspace," said Rico.
Regarding the information about the letter of agreement that is circulating in the community, Rico emphasized that the letter is not final because it is still under discussion.
"This document is not a final agreement, does not have binding legal force, and cannot be used as a basis for official government policy of the Republic of Indonesia," explained Rico.
Therefore, Rico hopes that the public will not be easily provoked by information circulating in the community.
The agreement letter contains several points of agreement between Indonesia and the United States.
One of the points, namely the Government of Indonesia opens a comprehensive airspace permit for United States aircraft for emergency operations, crisis management, and related training activities agreed upon together.
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