Indonesia Targets ICAO Council Seat in November 2026
Indonesia Steps Up Campaign for ICAO Council Role
Kabarsaji.com – Indonesia is intensifying its effort to win a seat on the International Civil Aviation Organization Council when elections are held in November 2026, presenting upgrades to its air-navigation system and broader international cooperation as key strengths in its campaign.
The country is seeking to return to the council after an absence of roughly five years following the COVID-19 pandemic. AirNav Indonesia President Director Capt. Avirianto Suratno said the renewed bid has been supported by diplomatic outreach and engagement with fellow ICAO members.
“Indonesia was absent for about five years after the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, we are trying again, and we believe that we can become a member of the ICAO Council this year.”
The election would determine council membership for the 2026–2027 period. For Indonesia, a successful result would provide a direct role in discussions and decisions shaping international civil aviation policy.
Air Navigation Modernization in Focus
Indonesia has highlighted recent investments and technical developments at AirNav Indonesia, the organization responsible for managing aviation navigation services. These capabilities were demonstrated during a September 11, 2026 visit by ICAO Council President Toshiyuki Onuma to AirNav Indonesia’s headquarters in Tangerang.
Onuma inspected several operational facilities, including the Air Traffic Management Automation System at the Jakarta Air Traffic Service Center. The visit offered Indonesia an opportunity to show how its aviation infrastructure and navigation-management systems have evolved.
Avirianto described the modernization work as an important element of Indonesia’s case for a council position.
“This is a support for the Republic of Indonesia so that we also become a member of ICAO, specifically the Council for 2026-2027.”
AirNav Indonesia has also developed systems internally, including System Wide Information Management, Trajectory Based Operation and artificial intelligence applications. Such tools are intended to strengthen the flow of operational information, improve the planning of aircraft movements and support more efficient aviation services.
One practical use of artificial intelligence involves drones used for runway inspections. Technical Director Zainal Arifin Harahap said runway checks that previously required about an hour can now take between 15 and 30 minutes with drone assistance. Faster inspections can help reduce the time needed to assess runway conditions while maintaining attention to safety.
The organization has also developed an SBAS GNSS, or Satellite-Based Augmentation System, application and continued modernizing aviation navigation services. Zainal said these advances could provide a model for countries that are developing their own air traffic management systems.
“The ICAO President expressed that what we have done should be emulated by other countries.”
Building Support Across Regions
Technology is only one part of the campaign. Indonesia is also working to secure voting support from ICAO’s 193 member countries through diplomatic channels. The government’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Transportation are involved in efforts to broaden international backing.
Zainal said Indonesia had received support from about 40 African countries and 30 countries in the Asia-Pacific region, giving the candidacy backing from an estimated 70 to 80 countries. The next diplomatic focus is expected to be Latin America.
“We are currently campaigning in every country to showcase our capabilities, contributions, and assistance that we can provide.”
Indonesia has pledged US$250,000 in contributions for the 2027–2028 period. The support is expected to be delivered through in-kind assistance and training for countries in Africa and the Asia-Pacific. The approach links Indonesia’s council campaign to practical cooperation with other states facing their own aviation-development needs.
The country hopes to gather support from a majority of ICAO members before voting takes place. Winning a council seat would allow Indonesia to take part more directly in debates involving international aviation standards, air navigation, safety and the future direction of civil aviation cooperation.
“Hopefully, out of the total 193, the majority will already support us to sit on the ICAO Council.”
Indonesia’s campaign combines diplomatic engagement with a push to demonstrate operational capability at home. Its modernization program, runway-inspection technology and investments in information-management systems are being presented not simply as domestic improvements, but as evidence that the country can contribute to international civil aviation governance.
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