Kuala Lampur, Oct. 19 -- Indonesia's announcement of its US$9 billion deal with China for 42 Chengdu J-10 multirole fighters is more than a defence procurement - it is a declaration of strategic intent.

With President Prabowo Subianto confirming that the jets will soon "fly over Jakarta's skies", Indonesia has signalled a historic pivot in its approach to air power and great-power alignment.

For decades, Indonesia balanced between Western and Russian suppliers to maintain a semblance of autonomy. Its Air Force fleet, a hybrid mix of American F-16s and Russian Su-27/Su-30 Flankers, reflected this duality.

Yet the acquisition of the Chinese J-10C - a 4.5-generation multirole fighter capable of precision strike and network-centric operati...