COORDINATING MINISTER LUHUT BINSAR PANDJAITAN ANNOUNCES THE APPROVAL BY ICAO FOR INDONESIA’S TAKEOVER OF THE FLIGHT INFORMATION REGION (FIR) FROM SINGAPORE, ENHANCING NATIONAL AVIATION MANAGEMENT.

Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, disclosed on 23 March 2024 that the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) had greenlit Indonesia’s proposal to assume control of the Flight Information Region (FIR) previously managed by Singapore.

Coordinating Minister Pandjaitan revealed that Singapore previously held jurisdiction over the airspace above the Riau and Natuna Islands, extending up to an altitude of 37,000 feet. He made this announcement while recuperating from health treatment in Singapore on 11 January 2024.

Following the ICAO’s approval, the Indonesian airspace, formerly categorised under Singapore FIR, reverted entirely to Indonesian FIR status within 60 days of the dissemination of information regarding the airspace transfer.

The official handover of the Singapore FIR to Indonesian jurisdiction marks a significant milestone for the country’s aviation sector. Minister Pandjaitan emphasised that Indonesia’s aviation policies aim to enhance air safety, competitiveness, and attractiveness for the civil aviation industry.

“We anticipate that the management of Indonesian airspace, which prioritises safety, efficiency, and compliance with international aviation standards, will be achieved,” stated Minister Pandjaitan.

In addition to the FIR transition, Minister Pandjaitan highlighted the implementation of defence cooperation and fugitive extradition agreements between Indonesia and Singapore. These bilateral agreements, long-standing issues between the two nations, were successfully resolved through diplomatic efforts led by President Joko Widodo and Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Long.

Minister Pandjaitan stressed the importance of maintaining a balance between bilateral cooperation and national interests, affirming that all diplomatic actions were undertaken with a focus on strengthening relations while upholding sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Source: Antara News