Introduction: Beyond Technical Skills
The aviation industry is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by rapid digitalization, sustainability imperatives, and shifting passenger behaviour. As this evolution accelerates, human capital becomes more critical than ever. In Indonesia, the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) initiative serves as a strategic response to the global shortage of skilled aviation personnel.
However, technical competence alone is no longer sufficient. To thrive in today’s complex and dynamic aviation ecosystem, Indonesia’s NGAP must also embrace an entrepreneurial spirit—the capacity to think creatively, act independently, and develop innovative solutions across the aviation value chain.
This requires a paradigm shift: from producing job seekers to cultivating job creators—even within the traditionally regulated and conservative realm of aviation.
Why Entrepreneurship Matters in Aviation
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has long highlighted the widening gap between aviation demand and the available skilled workforce. While many current policies focus on increasing the number and qualifications of professionals, there has been less emphasis on fostering entrepreneurial mindsets among aviation graduates and early-career professionals.
Entrepreneurship in aviation extends far beyond launching airlines or travel agencies. It spans a diverse array of high-value ventures—digital passenger platforms, drone logistics, smart ground handling systems, sustainable aviation fuels, airport tech innovations, and more. These opportunities call for a new set of competencies: creativity, risk-taking, business acumen, and agility.
Indonesia is uniquely positioned to champion this shift. With its expansive archipelago, young population, and growing aviation demand in secondary cities, the country stands at a strategic advantage to develop an entrepreneurial generation within the NGAP framework.
Current Gaps and Missed Opportunities
Despite the presence of more than 20 aviation training centres and universities, few Indonesian institutions incorporate structured entrepreneurship programs into their aviation curricula. Most students are still funnelled into conventional roles: air traffic controllers, pilots, technicians, or dispatchers.
Several structural challenges hinder progress:
- Rigid training systems that prioritize certification over creativity.
- Cultural conservatism in aviation education that Favors rule-following over rule-breaking.
- Limited exposure to startup ecosystems and SME dynamics.
- Absence of national policies or incubation programs focused on aviation entrepreneurship for youth.
As a result, many graduates with entrepreneurial potential are never encouraged to explore or commercialize their ideas—despite the aviation sector’s growing need for innovation.
Strategic Pathways to Foster NGAP Entrepreneurship
To unlock Indonesia’s full aviation potential, a national strategy is needed to embed entrepreneurship within the broader human capital development agenda.
Below are six actionable strategies:
- Institutionalize Aviation Entrepreneurship Education
Aviation universities and academies—especially those under PTKL (Perguruan Tinggi Kementerian dan Lembaga)—should integrate entrepreneurship into their core curriculum. Topics could include:
- Business modelling for aviation services
- Financial literacy and investment readiness
- Legal frameworks for aviation SMEs
- Innovation labs to solve real-world airport challenges.
Models from institutions like Temasek Polytechnic (Singapore) and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (USA) offer valuable insights, though Indonesia must tailor its approach to suit its development stage.
- Establish Aviation Startup Incubators and Accelerators
The Indonesian government, in collaboration with ICAO and ACI Asia-Pacific, should establish dedicated aviation innovation hubs at airports and aviation campuses. These could offer:
- Mentorship from seasoned aviation entrepreneurs
- Seed funding and innovation competitions
- Legal and certification support
- Access to airport environments for product trials (e.g., smart baggage systems, passenger experience apps)
- Leverage Digital Platforms for Skill Access
Collaborate with edtech providers to develop micro-learning platforms focused on aviation entrepreneurship. Course examples might include:
- “Starting a Drone Delivery Business in Remote Islands”
- “Smart Airport Solutions for MSMEs”
- “Building SaaS for Aviation Analytics”
These platforms would democratize access to knowledge, particularly for youth in remote regions like Kalimantan, Maluku, and Papua.
- Create Aviation SME Linkages Within Airport Ecosystems
Airports should be repositioned as local economic engines. Through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), airports can provide space and support for youth-led aviation SMEs, such as:
- Local catering services for airport lounges
- Custom baggage handling innovations
- Smart signage and digital wayfinding tools
- Sustainable souvenir startups
This aligns with ACI’s Airport Carbon Accreditation and Airport Service Quality (ASQ) initiatives, which emphasize local integration and sustainability.
- Reform Policy and Incentives
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) should evolve from a regulator to an enabler. Key reforms could include:
- Startup incentives within licensing frameworks
- Tax relief or microcredit schemes for aviation SMEs.
- Fast-track approval for low-risk, high-impact innovations.
These reforms should align with ICAO’s NGAP and Human Resources Development Planning (HRDP) and be championed regionally through ASEAN and APAC forums.
- Highlight Success Stories and Role Models
Indonesia lacks visible role models in aviation entrepreneurship. Public campaigns should spotlight success stories, such as:
- Young drone operators connecting remote villages.
- Women-led startups solving airport inefficiencies.
- Local ventures digitizing airport operations.
These narratives humanize the journey and inspire students to think beyond conventional employment.
Challenges and Realities
Promoting entrepreneurship in aviation is not without obstacles. Key constraints include:
- Risk aversion among regulators.
- Limited early-stage funding
- Resistance to curricular reform
- Gender and regional inequality in access to entrepreneurial resources
However, the greater risk lies in maintaining the status quo. Without bold innovation, Indonesia’s aviation industry risks becoming a consumer rather than a creator in the global aviation landscape.
Conclusion: Enabling a Generational Transformation
If Indonesia aims to become Southeast Asia’s aviation hub, its NGAP agenda must go beyond producing certified professionals—it must nurture visionary aviation entrepreneurs.
This transformation is not only technical but also cultural, institutional, and ideological. As the world prepares for advanced air mobility, digital airspace, and sustainable aviation, Indonesia must ask itself: Will our youth lead the future—or follow it?
“We need a generation that not only flies’ aircraft but builds the aviation ecosystem of the future.”
— Luis Felipe de Oliveira, Director General, ACI World
The time to act is now. The runway of opportunity is open. Let us ignite the entrepreneurial flame today starting with Indonesia’s NGAP.
