Indonesia "Defeats" Singapore's Air Power in Natuna

JakartaHerald.com - Minister Coordinator for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan has announced that the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has approved the proposal to transfer the flight information region (FIR) from Singapore to Indonesia. 

"Just a little background, Singapore previously had control over the airspace above the Riau Islands and Natuna at altitudes of 0-37 thousand feet," said Luhut, as confirmed by ANTARA from Jakarta on Saturday. 

Luhut explained that he received this information while undergoing health recovery in Singapore on January 11, 2024.

Further to this, 60 days after the issuance of information regarding this change, the Indonesian airspace that was previously designated as Singapore FIR will once again become fully Indonesia FIR. 

With the official implementation of the transfer of Singapore FIR to Indonesia FIR, he stated that the government's policies related to air service provision will make the Indonesian airspace safer, more competitive, and more attractive to the civil aviation industry. 

"Therefore, the management of Indonesian airspace, which is safe, effective, in line with national interests and complies with international civil aviation service standards, can be achieved," said Luhut.

In addition to the FIR agreement, Luhut continued, agreements on defense cooperation and extradition of fugitives between Indonesia and Singapore have also been implemented. "

This is the most relieving thing for me, considering that these three issues have long been unresolved bilateral issues between the two countries," said Luhut. 

According to him, thanks to the diplomatic approach of Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Long, these three agreements could be reached together. 

"I clearly remember how lengthy and challenging the process was to accelerate the resolution of these three agreements related to the strategic interests of Indonesia and Singapore," he added. However, Luhut emphasized that national interests should never be sidelined.

Luhut stated that his approach in choosing to prioritize dialogue with all parties involved in this issue, including maintaining good communication with Singapore Senior Minister Teo Che Hean, was in line with Jokowi's instructions. 

"All steps are taken with the determination to strengthen bilateral relations and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both countries," said Luhut.