However, as the airspace is included in Singapore's FIR, Indonesia has no absolute authority over the airspace, which has deprived the country of income from route charges imposed on aircraft passing through the airspace. Patrols conducted by the Indonesian Military (TNI) Air Force and Navy in the territory must also be guided by Singapore.
Indonesia has entrusted Singapore with the management of the airspace for the safety of civilian and military aviation in the province.
Singapore, in this matter acts as an authorized party in providing take off and landing instructions in the area, as well as guiding aircraft through the airspace.
Indonesia's efforts to take control of the airspace above Riau Islands, controlled by Singapore since 1946, have been unsuccessful since 1993. Singapore says it is willing to hand over control of the airspace above Riau Islands, provided that the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) gives the green light.
"There's no problem, if the ICAO agrees to the matter, please do so," Singaporean consul general in Riau Islands, Raj Kumar, said during the ground-breaking ceremony of the Bintan Resort Airport on Bintan Island, Riau Islands, on Wednesday.
According to Kumar, Singapore is also ready to assist in the transfer of technology if Indonesia is trusted by the ICAO to control its airspace.
Transportation Ministry secretary-general Afianti Samad said that Law No. 1/2009 stipulated that the airspace above Indonesia must be controlled by Indonesia.
In the law, Indonesia, or in this matter the Indonesian Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has been given 15 years to take control of any airspace managed by another nation.
"Indonesia has sovereignty over its airspace, Singapore is just the party which manages it. However, in accordance with Law No. 1/2009, we will manage all of the airspace by the next 15 years, or by 2024, but the takeover could happen faster than the specified time," said Afianti.
Riau Islands Regional Representatives Council (DPD) member Zulaikah Nasution said that Indonesia should take control of the airspace immediately for the sake of national interests.
"We should be able to manage what we own, and enhance human resources. We should have sovereignty over our airspace, as the area's economic potential is also huge," said Zulaikah.
SOURCE:
http://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest+News/Singapore/Story/A1Story20120519-346904.html
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