US, Indonesia Discuss Possible Chinese Spy Balloon Flying over Its Airspace

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The United States through its embassy in Jakarta discussed the possibility of the Chinese spy balloon flying over ASEAN airspace with the Indonesian government. 

“Yes, the Embassy spoke with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs last week about the PRC high-altitude surveillance balloon program,” said US Embassy Spokesman Michael Quinlan to Tempo on Thursday, February 16, 2023.

Quinlan, in his message, referred to comments made by Pentagon Press Secretary Brigadier General Pat Ryder on February 8, 2023, that the spy balloons flew over at least five continents, including Southeast Asia.

“For the Department of Defense, [it demonstrates why] China remains the pacing challenge and something that we'll continue to stay focused on,” said Quinlan quoting Ryder’s statement.

The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not yet responded to requests for comments regarding the statement of US and European spokesmen and directors general.

Tempo has not also received a statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Defense over the possibility of the surveillance balloon over the archipelago’s airspace. The special staffer of the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Law, and Security Affairs Rizal Mustary said he would first check the issue with relevant deputies

As widely reported, the US shot down three Chinese spy balloons this month. On Tuesday, Japan's Defence Ministry said it "strongly suspects" Chinese surveillance balloons have entered Japanese territory at least three times since 2019.

The US Embassy further emphasized that US-Indonesian defense cooperation has never been stronger or more comprehensive than it is today. “We are proud to be Indonesia’s largest military engagement partner and work to deepen that engagement,” Quinlan said.

DANIEL A. FAJRI

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