Montreal. Indonesia is seeking a seat on the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council for the 2026-2028 term, aiming to expand its role in shaping global aviation policy and strengthening cooperation with developing countries.

The bid was announced at a diplomatic reception marking Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day at ICAO headquarters in Montreal, Canada, on Oct. 8, attended by more than 200 representatives from ICAO member states and the aviation industry.

Indonesia’s candidacy will be put forward at the 43rd ICAO Extraordinary Assembly on Nov. 19-20.

As an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands with a population of around 280 million, Indonesia relies heavily on air transport to connect communities, support economic activity and link remote regions to domestic and international markets.

“Being an archipelagic country, Indonesia does not see civil aviation merely as an industry but as a way of life that connects communities,” Transportation Ministry Director General of Civil Aviation Lukman F. Laisa said at the reception.

Indonesian Ambassador to Canada Muhsin Syihab, who also serves as Indonesia’s permanent representative to ICAO, said aviation had played an important role in the country’s development by connecting Indonesia with the world and creating wider opportunities.

The reception also featured a video presentation highlighting the importance of ICAO in regulating international aviation, including a statement by President Prabowo Subianto at the 80th United Nations General Assembly questioning whether international cooperation in aviation would be possible without the organization. The presentation drew applause from attendees.

ICAO Council President Toshiyuki Onuma highlighted Indonesia’s contributions to developing countries since joining the organization in 1950, particularly through its Indonesia Developing Countries Training Program.

“Through the program, Indonesia has shared its expertise with more than 60 countries,” Onuma said.

He also praised Indonesia’s aviation safety and security record, saying the country had consistently demonstrated standards above the global average, reflecting its commitment to maintaining high standards in civil aviation.

Established in 1947, ICAO is a United Nations specialized agency responsible for developing international civil aviation standards and coordinating cooperation among its member states.

Indonesia previously served on the ICAO Council from 1962 to 2002. In 2012, it opened the Indonesian Interests Office at ICAO headquarters in Montreal to strengthen cooperation and support its participation in the organization’s meetings.

Over the past decade, Indonesia has also provided developing countries with training, technical expertise, and financial assistance to strengthen their aviation capabilities.

The council seat would give Indonesia an opportunity to contribute more directly to discussions on international aviation standards and the sector’s future development, as the country seeks to deepen its engagement with the global aviation community.

The diplomatic reception was organized jointly by the Indonesian Embassy in Ottawa, the Indonesian Interests Office at ICAO in Montreal, the Transportation Ministry and the Foreign Ministry, with support from state-owned air navigation services provider AirNav Indonesia.

The event also showcased Indonesian culture through a performance by Montreal-based Balinese gamelan group Giri Kedaton and a selection of traditional Indonesian dishes.

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