In this paper, since the research on the etching of SrBi$_2$Ta$_2$$O_{9}$(SBT) thin film was few (specially Cl$_2$-base) we had studied the surface reaction of SBT thin films. We have used the OES(optical emission spectroscopy) in high density plasma etching as a function of RF power, dc bias voltage, and Cl$_2$/(Cl$_2$+Ar) gas mixing ratio. It had been found that the etch rate of SBT thin films appeared to be more affected by the physical sputtering between Ar ions and surface of the SBT compared to the chemical reaction. The change of Cl radical density that was measured by the OES as a function of gas combination showed the change of the etch rate of SBT thin films. Therefore, the chemical reactions between Cl radical in plasma and components of the SBT enhanced to increase the etch rates SBT thin films. These results were confirmed by XPS(x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) analysis.s.