Aside from the flurrious onset of haze, another sort of headache arrives from Indonesia — they’re demanding to reclaim control of airspace above the Riau Islands, which is now currently held by Singapore.
TODAY reported that Indonesian Transportation Minister Ignasius Jonan has called for the return of airspace rights after a discussion during a Cabinet meeting in Jakarta prompted by complaints from the military thats Singapore’s fighter jet drills have violated their airspace. The Riau Islands include the likes of Batam, Bintan, Tanjung Pinang — all popular tourist destinations for Singaporeans.
Law and Foreign Affairs Minister K Shanmugam however noted in response that giving back the airspace rights to Indonesia would compromise Singapore’s position as an aviation hub, and that current regulations were approved by global aviation authorities. Singapore has held on to the airspace above the Riau Islands since 1946.
Indonesia’s fierce campaign to reclaim airspace (thought to be initiated by President Joko Widodo) have also sought out control over their regions bordering Malaysia in North Kalimantan.
Singapore has previously protested the presence of Indonesian military aircraft presence above the Riau Islands, stating that they must first obtain clearance from Singaporean authorities — which obviously the Indonesian side has not taken well.
The discussion continues, even as tomorrow’s Polling Day marks potential upheaval within the government.
Photo: Andrew Thomas via Flickr
