Indonesia seeks seat on ICAO Council for 2026–2028 term

Indonesia has officially announced its candidacy for the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council for the 2026–2028 period. This move seeks to increase Indonesia's influence in shaping global civil aviation standards regarding safety, security, and connectivity.

During a diplomatic reception at the ICAO headquarters in Montreal, Canadian, Indonesian Ambassador to Canada Muhsin Syihab emphasized that aviation is vital for connecting the archipelago to the rest of the world. Director General of Air Transportation Lukman F. Laisa added that for a nation of 280 million people spread across 17,000 islands, civil aviation is a way of life rather than just an industry.

ICAO Council President Toshiyuki Onuma acknowledged Indonesia's contributions to aviation capacity in developing nations, specifically noting the Indonesia Developing Countries Training Program (DCTP), which has shared expertise with over 60 countries. The candidacy follows more than two decades since Indonesia last served on the strategic body.