Antara News·Indonesia·Saturday, November 7, 2026 at 09:56 AM UTC

Indonesia steps up diplomatic push to secure ICAO Council seat

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Muhammad Harianto, Yashinta Difa

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Transportation Ministry and the Foreign Affairs Ministry are intensifying international diplomacy to secure global backing for Indonesia's bid to join the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

The diplomatic campaign comes ahead of the 43rd ICAO Extraordinary Assembly Session, scheduled for November 19–20, 2026, in Montreal, Canada, where Jakarta is vying for a Category III Council seat.

“Ahead of the 43rd ICAO Extraordinary Assembly Session, the Transportation Ministry together with the Foreign Affairs Ministry are strengthening collaboration and diplomatic steps," Transportation Ministry Dudy Purwagandhi said in a statement on Saturday.

Indonesia previously held an ICAO Council seat for 12 consecutive terms from 1962 to 2001. With the council expanding its membership from 36 to 40 nations, officials see a strategic opportunity to resume direct participation in global aviation policymaking.

"Indonesia's candidacy as a member of the ICAO Council is an important momentum for Indonesia to return to its role in making strategic decisions in the field of international civil aviation," Minister Dudy emphasized.

Through bilateral meetings, international forums, and the deployment of diplomatic Aide Memoire documents, Jakarta has garnered written support from 28 countries and verbal indications from 69 others as of November 6, 2026.

Jakarta’s campaign centers on four core messages presented to the international community.

First, highlighting its geographic and market scale, Indonesia presents itself as the world’s largest archipelagic state and one of the Asia-Pacific's premier aviation markets—offering vital operational insights into trans-regional connectivity.

Second, pointing to its proven track record, the nation demonstrates deep technical commitment through capacity-building programs, safety initiatives as well as active regional and global participation.

Third, emphasizing its role in bridging divides, Indonesia is positioned geopolitically between developed and developing nations—allowing it to act as an effective mediator among diverse aviation stakeholders.

Finally, through its strategic alignment, Jakarta remains fully committed to advancing ICAO’s overarching safety, security, and sustainability priorities.

With the election approaching, the Transportation Ministry, Foreign Ministry, and Indonesian diplomatic missions abroad are heightening coordination to ensure verbal commitments translate into concrete votes.

"The time for the election is getting closer," Dudy noted, signaling a relentless final push to ensure Indonesia successfully returns to the international aviation steering table.

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