The US wants easier access to Indonesia’s airspace. Why? - Asia Specific podcast, BBC World Service

Indonesia is considering allowing the US military easier access to its airspace - a move that’s sparked debate at home and raised eyebrows across the region. Click here to subscribe to our channel 👉🏽 https://bbc.in/3VyyriM Why is Indonesia’s military getting closer to the US now? What’s driving President Prabowo Subianto’s strategy and why are some critics warning it could strain ties with China? In this episode, Asia Specific podcast host Mariko Oi speaks with the BBC’s Bill Birtles, a former Indonesia correspondent and Jakarta-based freelance journalist Randy Mulyanto to unpack the proposed deal, the political backlash, and how Indonesia traditionally balances relations between major powers. We also explore the broader regional picture - from rising US military engagement in South East Asia to China’s economic influence, and what it means for Indonesia’s long-standing 'non-aligned' foreign policy approach. 00:00 Introduction 01:18 What is the Indonesia-US airspace overflight access proposal? 03:04 How unusual is this proposal for Indonesia? 03:52 Why would the US want this? 04:30 How are Indonesians reacting? 05:53 How has Beijing reacted? 07:56 How is Indonesia responding, given its close relationship with China? 08:52 How is the US generally viewed in Indonesia amid global tensions? 11:34 What would Prabowo Subianto gain from this proposed deal? 12:23 US efforts to maintain close relations with Asian countries 13:05 Prabowo’s recent diplomatic activity 14:35 How Indonesians are closely monitoring foreign policy 16:43 How might this proposed deal affect Prabowo’s high approval rating? 17:41 How do Indonesians view Prabowo’s frequent overseas trips? Watch more episodes of Asia Specific here 👉🏽 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLz_B0PFGIn4c3njIxB0KHuO8SS2mBMtUc Instagram: @bbcworldservice Email: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk Presenter: Mariko Oi Producers: Derek Cai, Rachel Lee Camera: Muhammad Firdaus Bin Mohd Ansary, Rosalehin Bin Rosli, Khairul Danish Bin Mohd Roslee Editor: Bill Birtles ---------------- This is the official BBC World Service YouTube channel. If you like what we do, you can also find us here: Instagram 👉🏽 / bbcworldservice Twitter 👉🏽 / bbcworldservice Facebook 👉🏽 / bbcworldservice BBC World Service website 👉🏽 https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldserviceradio Thanks for watching and subscribing! #BBCWorldService #WorldService #asiaspecific #asiaspecificpodcast #indonesia #prabowo #southeastasia