Release
Translation by Hanifah Salma
The atmosphere of the Online Seminar “Flight Information Region (FIR) above the Riau Islands and Natuna: FIR in the Perspective of Sovereignty & National Airspace Management Reconstruction in Facing the Future Challenges of the COVID-19 Pandemic” on Thursday (10/9).**
[unpad.ac.id, 10/9/2020] The Indonesia Center for Air and Space Law (ICASL) Study Center of the Unpad Faculty of Law, in collaboration with the Indonesia Center for Air Power Studies (PSAPI), held an online seminar which took place on Zoom last Thursday (10/9).
The theme of the online seminar itself was “Flight Information Region (FIR) above the Riau Islands and Natuna: FIR in the Perspective of Sovereignty & National Airspace Management Reconstruction in Facing the Future Challenges of the COVID-19 Pandemic”.
The speakers presented in the webinar were Professor of the Unpad Faculty of Law Prof. Atip Latipulhayat, PhD, former Chief of Staff of the Indonesian National Armed Forces’ Air Force (2002-2005) Marshal (Ret.) Chappy Hakim, Prof. Dr. Makarim Wibisono, and Indra Sanada Sipayung, LL.M. This seminar was moderated by the Unpad Faculty of Law lecturer, Dr. Prita Amalia.
Prof. Atip explained the legal basis for managing the Flight Information Region with a focus on the Chicago Convention. He explained that there are two competing interests that underlie the management of FIR, namely security and sovereignty.
The Unpad Professor of International Law also laid out the history behind the formation of the FIR of Riau and Natuna as well as the key events that led to Singapore’s control of both regions’ FIR.
In his response to Prof. Atip, Indra Sanada Sipayung has an opinion regarding the relationship between sovereignty and FIR. FIR should consider aspects of air traffic structure from a technical point of view in operations rather than considering national borders.
“The determination of FIR itself is based on safety, security, and efficiency of sovereignty,” Indra said.
Chappy Hakim delivered materials based on a practitioner’s point of view. He explained the importance of having Indonesia manage the Flight Information Region of Riau and Natuna; it will make the FIR of both regions as an exercise of sovereignty over Indonesia’s airspace.
In addition, Chappy also described several factors that caused the problems of the situation to remain unresolved until now. He also explained the new developments, especially ones regarding the impact of COVID-19 on the air transportation industry.
Prof. Dr. Makarim Wibisono, M.A. responded to Hakim’s presentation. According to him, the Flight Information Region case could lead to other cases.
“Referring to the case of Cambodia, whose territory was controlled by other countries, the problem was resolved fairly quickly because it took a peaceful route,” Prof. Makarim said.
Therefore, Prof. Makarim argued that the Flight Information Region case could be resolved by means of discussion. Indonesia also needs to prepare itself for the next few years to take over the FIR region.
“Indonesia needs to improve its quality and clarify the position of Indonesia’s ability to manage its air space,” Prof. Makarim stated.(arm) **
You can read the original article in Indonesian here: https://www.unpad.ac.id/2020/09/bahas-flight-information-region-icasl-fh-unpad-gelar-seminar-daring/