Indonesia Bids to Rejoin ICAO Council After 25-Year Absence

September 1, 2026 | 07:56 am

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia is once again bidding for a seat on the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), having last held a position there in 2001.

Lukman F. Laisa, Director General of Civil Aviation of the Transportation Ministry, stated in Jakarta on Monday that the opportunity for Indonesia to play a role in the ICAO Council has opened up following the expansion of the Council from 36 to 40 member states.

"With the increase in ICAO Council members from 36 to 40, an opportunity has opened for Indonesia to once again play a role and contribute to shaping the direction of international civil aviation policy," Laisa said.

Laisa explained that the bid is supported by Indonesia's significant interests and capacity within the aviation sector.

He noted that as an archipelagic nation comprising over 17,000 islands and a population exceeding 240 million, Indonesia possesses vast airspace and a strategic position within the international aviation network.

Currently, Indonesia has 257 airports serving 297 domestic routes and 160 international routes. The national aviation industry is supported by 14 domestic airlines and 59 foreign airlines.

In the first half of 2026, Indonesia's aviation sector served approximately 24.9 million domestic passengers and 18.5 million international passengers.

The scale is considered indicative of Indonesia's significant stake in the development of international civil aviation, as well as the experience it can bring to global aviation policy discussions.

In addition to having significant interests, Indonesia is also recognized for its track record of contributions to the international aviation community.

Through the Indonesia-ICAO Developing Country Training Program, Indonesia has provided training to more than 80 ICAO member states.

Indonesia also continues to contribute to the development of aviation human resources and sustainable aviation issues through its active involvement in ICAO.

Laisa stated that Indonesia is committed to promoting enhanced aviation safety and security, human resource development, and the provision of technical assistance to partner nations.

Indonesia will also advocate for the development of sustainable aviation and strengthen regional cooperation within the Asia-Pacific region.

Indonesia's candidacy will be considered during the 43rd Extraordinary Session of the ICAO Assembly, scheduled for November 19–20, 2026, at ICAO Headquarters in Montreal, Canada.

The session is being convened specifically to elect four additional members to the ICAO Council, following the expansion of the Council's membership from 36 to 40 states.

Indonesia has been an ICAO member since 1950 and previously served on the ICAO Council for 12 consecutive terms between 1962 and 2001.

ICAO is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) established in 1944 to administer the Chicago Convention and set standards and policies for international civil aviation.

Read: Indonesia Strengthens Aviation Regulations in Facing ICAO Audits

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