As Indonesian President Prabowo shuttles between Russia and Europe, Indonesian Defense Minister Syafrie met with US Secretary of War Hicks at the Pentagon on Monday, with both parties announcing the establishment of a significant defense cooperation partnership. Both sides will jointly develop new defense technologies and strengthen joint training for special forces.
The joint statement said that this relationship reflects "Indonesia’s important role in promoting regional stability and also highlights the strength and potential of the bilateral defense relationship."
However, the statement did not mention the controversial "proposal allowing US military aircraft to fly over Indonesian airspace." Previous reports indicated that Indonesia was discussing this proposal with the US.
Foreign media quoted Indonesian sources as saying that in early April, Indonesia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent a letter to the Ministry of Defense, pointing out that the proposal could draw Jakarta into the South China Sea dispute, and called for delaying a final agreement with Washington.
It is still unclear whether Syafrie and Hicks discussed this matter. A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told foreign media that the statement’s omission of the overflight issue does not mean it was not discussed privately.
The Indonesian Ministry of Defense responded that authorities are carefully reviewing the US proposal and will make modifications based on the premise of ensuring national sovereignty and interests.