Indonesia Updates Aviation Law for Upcoming ICAO Audit

Regulatory Harmonization and the ICAO Audit

The Indonesian Ministry of Transportation is actively strengthening national aviation regulations in anticipation of a forthcoming ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) audit. The audit, expected to occur in late 2026 or early 2027, will test the nation's compliance with evolving international safety and security standards. According to Agustinus Budi Hartono, Director of Air Transportation at the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation), the ministry is currently finalizing updates to ensure national protocols align with global requirements.

The preparation process focuses heavily on addressing complex protocol questions within the USAP-CMA (Universal Security Audit Programme Continuous Monitoring Approach) framework. Officials acknowledge that the current regulatory landscape, primarily anchored by Aviation Law Number 1 of 2009, requires modernization to satisfy these international benchmarks. The ministry is working closely with the INACA (Indonesian National Air Carriers Association) and various airline operators to ensure a unified approach to compliance.

Building a National Safety Culture

Beyond simple compliance, the regulatory overhaul serves as an instrument to foster a robust national aviation safety culture. By updating the legal framework, the government aims to improve service quality and maintain public trust in the reliability of Indonesian aviation operations. The ministry emphasizes that regulatory harmonization is essential for maintaining seamless international air connectivity, as the aviation sector remains inherently cross-national in nature.

This proactive stance follows a period of notable success for Indonesia. In 2024, the country underwent a comprehensive security audit that resulted in an Effective Implementation (EI) score of 88.53 percent. This figure significantly surpassed the 75 percent baseline target set by the ICAO Global Aviation Security Plan (GASeP). Following these results, Indonesia was awarded a Council President Certificate during the 42nd ICAO General Assembly in Montreal, Canada, in late 2025.

Historical Context and Regulatory Evolution

The current drive to amend Aviation Law Number 1 of 2009 mirrors historical efforts to align with global standards. In 2007, Indonesia faced significant regulatory challenges, including an FAA downgrade and an EU ban on its airlines. That event served as the catalyst for the original enactment of the 2009 Aviation Law, which was designed to overhaul safety oversight mechanisms. The current update trajectory suggests that the government views the ICAO Universal Security Audit Programme (USAP) as a primary driver for continuous improvement in domestic oversight.

The Path to the 2027 Audit

Stakeholder Coordination and Compliance

The success of the upcoming audit relies on the synchronization of efforts between state regulators and industry stakeholders. For the DGCA, the primary task remains the legislative amendment process. For INACA members and airport operators, the requirement is to align internal operational procedures with the updated national standards. This collaborative approach is intended to prevent the identification of any significant security concerns (SSec) during the next cycle of the 42nd Session of the ICAO Assembly monitoring processes.

Why Regulatory Alignment Matters

For Indonesia, maintaining high audit scores is critical to preserving the country's status within the international aviation community. Consistent adherence to ICAO standards ensures that Indonesian carriers retain full access to global markets and that the national aviation infrastructure remains secure. By treating regulations as a dynamic instrument for safety culture rather than a static compliance checklist, the Ministry of Transportation is positioning the domestic industry to better withstand evolving global security threats.