BALINEWSID.COM, JAKARTA — Indonesian Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi is seeking support from member states of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for Indonesia’s bid to become a member of the ICAO Council Part III for the 2026–2028 term.

Dudy presented Indonesia’s candidacy at a diplomatic reception attended by ambassadors and representatives of ICAO member states based in Jakarta on Tuesday (September 29, 2026).

He said Indonesia’s bid was part of efforts to strengthen the country’s role and contribution to international civil aviation governance.

According to Dudy, civil aviation serves more than just as a means of transportation. It connects communities, facilitates trade and tourism, strengthens relations between countries, and plays an important role in economic and social development.

“As an archipelagic country with thousands of islands spread across a vast geographical area, a safe, secure, efficient, and sustainable aviation system is essential to connect our people and support national development,” Dudy said.

Indonesia, he added, places strong emphasis on its partnership with ICAO and cooperation with all of its member states. Membership on the ICAO Council would provide Indonesia with an opportunity to contribute to and strengthen international cooperation in shaping the future of global civil aviation.

Indonesia previously served on the ICAO Council for 12 consecutive terms between 1962 and 2001.

The opportunity for Indonesia to return to the council comes as the number of council members has increased from 36 to 40 countries.

Data from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation showed that during the first half of 2026, Indonesia’s aviation sector served 24.9 million domestic passengers and 18.5 million international passengers.

The services were provided through 257 airports, with 297 domestic routes and 160 international routes operated by 14 national airlines and 59 foreign airlines.

In aviation safety, Indonesia recorded an Effective Implementation (EI) score of 78.85 percent under the ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP). The figure was above the global average of 70.6 percent and the Asia-Pacific regional average of 69.6 percent.

Indonesia also recorded an 88.53 percent score in the ICAO Universal Security Audit Programme (USAP), exceeding the global target of 75 percent.

Dudy reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to the sustainability of international civil aviation and called on ICAO member states to support Indonesia’s bid to return to the ICAO Council for the 2026–2028 term.

“Indonesia is ready to continue contributing to strengthening international civil aviation that is safe, resilient, sustainable, and inclusive,” Dudy said.

Director General of Civil Aviation Lukman F. Laisa, along with ambassadors and representatives of ICAO member states based in Jakarta, also attended the diplomatic reception.