Ministry of Transport Prepares for ICAO Audit
The Ministry of Transport (Kemenhub) is strengthening aviation regulations in preparation for an audit by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). “Whether it is at the end of this year or the beginning of next year, we will face the ICAO audit,” stated Agustinus Budi Hartono, Director of Air Transport at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, during a statement in Jakarta.
The Ministry of Transport is refining national aviation regulations to bolster continuous compliance with international aviation safety and security standards. According to Agustino, this step is vital to ensure that Indonesian flight operations meet the evolving global safety and security standards. He explained that the aviation sector is characterised by cross-regional and cross-border operations, making regulatory harmonisation essential for supporting international air connectivity.
Indonesia is expected to face the ICAO audit in late 2026 or early 2027, necessitating early preparation from all stakeholders. The Ministry of Transport also seeks support from the Indonesian National Air Carriers Association (INACA) and all flight operators to ensure the audit proceeds smoothly and achieves optimal results. He noted that answering the audit’s protocol questions presents challenges, particularly regarding national regulations, specifically the Aviation Law.
He assessed that refining regulations, including updating provisions in Law Number 1 of 2009 concerning Aviation, could support compliance with ICAO standards. Furthermore, Agustinus emphasised that regulations serve not only as a set of rules but also as a crucial instrument in building a national aviation safety culture. Strong regulations play a role in improving service quality and maintaining public trust in a safe and reliable aviation industry.
Previously, the 2024 ICAO audit showed that Indonesia’s aviation security, managed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, was above the global average. During the Universal Security Audit Programme Continuous Monitoring Approach (USAP-CMA) conducted at Soekarno-Hatta and Juanda airports, ICAO reported an Effective Implementation (EI) score of 88.53 per cent, with no significant security concerns identified.
On 23 September 2025, Indonesia received the prestigious Council President Certificate for successfully enhancing civil aviation security oversight in accordance with ICAO standards. The Director General of Civil Aviation, Lukman F. Laisa, stated that the award was presented by ICAO President Salvatore Sciacchitano during the opening session of the 42nd ICAO General Assembly in Montreal, Canada. The achievement, with an 88.53 per cent EI score, significantly exceeded the Global Aviation Security Plan threshold of 75 per cent, reflecting Indonesia’s strong commitment to strengthening civil aviation security systems.