As the 42nd Session of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Assembly approaches in 2025, Indonesia stands at a pivotal juncture—one where international recognition for its aviation security achievements is within reach. With a remarkable score of 88.53% in its most recent Universal Security Audit Programme – Continuous Monitoring Approach (USAP-CMA), Indonesia is now in a strong position to be awarded the ICAO Council President Certificate (CPC) for aviation security.
This certificate is more than a symbolic prize. It is an official recognition by the ICAO Council President, acknowledging a member state’s success in aligning with global aviation safety or security goals. It affirms not only the effectiveness of technical implementation but also a nation’s commitment to aviation excellence, international compliance, and leadership in global air transport governance.
But does technical achievement alone guarantee recognition? The answer is, unequivocally, no. Without diplomacy, even the best results may go unnoticed.
The ICAO Council President Certificate
The ICAO Council President Certificate is an honorary technical award given at the ICAO Assembly—held once every three years—to States that substantially improve their safety or security oversight. It specifically recognizes:
- An increase of at least 15% in Effective Implementation (EI) scores compared to the previous audit.
- A final EI score of 75% or higher, aligning with ICAO’s Global Aviation Security Plan (GASeP) target.
- No active Significant Security Concerns (SSeCs) identified during or after the audit.
Based on these standards, Indonesia meets every criterion:
- EI score in 2024: 88.53%
- EI score in 2017: approximately 67%
- Improvement: +21.53%
- SSeC status: none
In substantive terms, Indonesia is eligible. However, the award is not guaranteed; it depends on strategic diplomatic signalling, regional engagement, and timely formal communication with ICAO bodies. The transition from audit success to receiving recognition on the podium is influenced not only by internal performance but also by how that success is communicated and positioned internationally.
A Four-Stage Roadmap
- Technical Verification and ICAO Engagement
The Directorate of Aviation Security (under the Ministry of Transportation’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation) should finalize and submit a formal technical audit report, verified through ICAO’s Asia Pacific Office in Bangkok. This documentation confirms the eligibility and serves as the factual basis for further nomination.
This is also an opportunity to harmonize the report with ICAO formats, ensuring consistency with the audit’s messaging and structure.
- Formal Diplomatic Communication
Between February and April 2025, Indonesia must send a formal letter to the ICAO Secretary General or the President of the ICAO Council, indicating:
- Its audit results.
- A statement of readiness to be considered for CPC.
- Contributions to broader ICAO programs (e.g., No Country Left Behind, GASeP implementation).
Ideally, this letter should be accompanied by a diplomatic non-paper submitted via the Permanent Representative of Indonesia (PTRI) to ICAO in Montreal. A concise yet persuasive narrative of Indonesia’s contributions to global aviation security—particularly its role in ICAO panels and working groups—should be emphasized.
- International Outreach and Thought Leadership
Diplomatic visibility can be enhanced by showcasing audit success in international ICAO events, such as:
- ICAO AVSEC Symposium
- Asia-Pacific AVSEC Panel Meetings
- Articles in UnitingAviation.com, ICAO Journal, or regional policy forums
This is not only about exposure, but also about shaping perception. By publishing its journey toward security reform and compliance, Indonesia demonstrates transparency, leadership, and alignment with ICAO’s global mission.
- Presence and Advocacy at the ICAO Assembly
The final stage culminates in Montreal. A well-prepared Indonesian delegation must be present during the opening plenary of the Assembly. This is when CPCs are typically announced.
Indonesia may also request to deliver a short intervention speech during the recognition ceremony, highlighting its journey, commitment to aviation security, and contributions to global civil aviation. This is where diplomacy meets stagecraft.
Lessons from Other Countries
Precedent matters. Past recipients of the CPC—such as Uganda, Fiji, Rwanda, and Kazakhstan—offer critical lessons. These states not only improved their audit scores but also engaged in consistent and visible international efforts.
Uganda, for example, received its CPC after achieving an 81.8% EI in USAP-CMA, having demonstrated both technical improvement and regional leadership in AVSEC matters. Fiji’s award was linked to its broader modernization strategy and transparency during ICAO forums.
In short, visibility matters as much as performance.
More Than a Certificate: Strategic Value for Indonesia
For Indonesia, receiving the ICAO Council President Certificate would have implications well beyond a ceremonial certificate. It would:
- Elevate its stature as a credible and compliant ICAO member state.
- Strengthen its candidacy for future Council seats or key ICAO panels.
- Serve as a benchmark of trust for airlines, investors, and international aviation partners.
- Inspire domestic institutions to sustain high standards in aviation security implementation.
- Serve as a compelling case for Indonesia’s broader aviation diplomacy.
Amid rising global security threats—ranging from cyberattacks on civil aviation systems to geopolitical tension disrupting airspace management—being recognized for security reliability carries more weight than ever.
Regional Leadership in Aviation Security
As the world’s fourth most populous country and largest archipelagic state, Indonesia holds a strategic aviation role in the Asia-Pacific region. Its capacity to manage vast domestic airspace while maintaining robust aviation security oversight is unique.
This positions Indonesia to:
- Share best practices with emerging aviation states,
- Contribute to regional aviation training and oversight mechanisms,
- Support capacity building through bilateral and multilateral engagements.
By receiving the CPC, Indonesia would reinforce its position as a source of regional leadership, not just a recipient of ICAO assistance.
Conclusion
Indonesia has a golden opportunity to be recognized for its significant aviation security improvements by receiving the ICAO Council President Certificate at the 2025 Assembly. The path is clear: the audit score is strong, the eligibility confirmed, and the regional engagement ongoing.
But recognition on the world stage is never purely procedural. It is earned through diplomacy, persistence, and presence.
Now is the time for Indonesia to act—not only to celebrate its technical achievements, but to use them as a platform for greater international leadership in aviation security. The world will be watching. Let Indonesia rise to the occasion—not just as a compliant state, but as a global contributor to civil aviation excellence.
