We just discussed everything comprehensively. However, once again, I could not reveal anything since the agreement stage had yet to be reached,Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia is engaged in negotiations with Singapore to take over control of the Flight Information Region (FIR) over Riau and Natuna Islands from the neighboring country.
The negotiations have made significant progress, and now, the concerned technical aspects are being considered, Foreign Affairs Minister Retno L. P. Marsudi remarked following a meeting with Singaporean Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakhrisnan here on Tuesday.
"We just discussed everything comprehensively. However, once again, I could not reveal anything since the agreement stage had yet to be reached," she stated.
Indonesia's Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi has submitted a proposal to Singapore to hold further discussions on the issue.
Indonesia has also negotiated with Malaysia to take over control of the FIR over Riau and Natuna Islands.
However, she explained that the FIR is not an issue of Indonesia's sovereignty, but it concerned flight traffic management.
Indonesia is currently adept at managing its aviation security, she emphasized.
Negotiations on FIR control had been conducted since last year in accordance with President Joko Widodo's directive and expected to be completed in 2019.
Based on the decision taken during conventions of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in 1946 and 1973, FIR of Indonesia's Batam, Tanjung Pinang, Karimun, and Natuna regions have been managed by Singapore and Malaysia.
The total Indonesian FIR under the control of Singapore and Malaysia reach 1,825 kilometers.
EDITED BY INE
Translator: Yashinta DP, Fardah
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
