The sky may seem silent, but it is never empty. No flags are flying up there, yet the invisible presence of powerful nations stretches endlessly. In this space of quiet diplomacy, Indonesia—a vast archipelago where air travel connects people across thousands of islands—is preparing to take part in one of the most strategic global aviation events: the 42nd ICAO Assembly in Montreal, September 2025.
For some, this may seem like just another technical meeting—full of safety reports, statistics, and regulatory updates. But for those who understand air diplomacy, the ICAO Assembly is more than that. It is a stage. It is about reputation. And it is an opportunity.
Diplomacy in a Sky Without Flags
Unlike the G20 or ASEAN Summits, the ICAO Assembly is not widely covered by the media. But that is exactly why it matters—it is a space where countries quietly shape the future of aviation. Calm, but strategic.
For Indonesia, the timing is crucial. We are just finishing our term on the ICAO Council (2022–2025), having sat alongside major powers to help shape global aviation rules. At the same time, our domestic aviation sector is undergoing major transformation—from digitizing air navigation services and building airports in remote areas, to committing to green aviation and energy transition.
These are major achievements. But like a pearl in its shell, they will not shine unless we present them.
Profiling: Sharing Stories, Not Just Statistics
In international forums, profiling is not just about data—it’s about storytelling. It’s not only about safety audit scores or how many certified airports we have. It’s about how we tell our journey.
Indonesia must go to Montreal not just with reports, but with stories. Stories about children in remote islands who can now fly to school thanks to small airports built with public funding. About air traffic towers in Papua now connected via satellite. About pioneering flights that unite over 17,000 islands into one nation.
These stories matter. They touch hearts. They open doors for cooperation.
Visibility: More Than Just Showing Up
Visibility is not just about your name on the attendance list. It’s about leaving a lasting impression. To do that, Indonesia must be active:
- Take the lead in proposing working papers on green aviation for island nations.
- Set up an Indonesian pavilion—not just with airport models, but human stories: videos of pioneering pilots, 3T (frontier) air route animations, or testimonials from citizens helped by better connectivity.
- Promote young Indonesian aviation professionals to join ICAO’s Innovation Fair, Young Professionals Forum, or internships.
Imagine a future ICAO officer standing at the UN stage with an Indonesian passport. That long-term influence starts with visibility today.
It’s Time for Indonesia to Speak
We often hold back in international forums. While others submit three or five working papers, we sometimes just listen.
The 2025 ICAO Assembly should be a turning point. We have so much to contribute, managing seaplane bases, digitizing air navigation, harmonizing BRICS air regulations, or connecting isolated islands through air routes.
Let’s even propose bold ideas—like an Air Connectivity Fund for Archipelagic States: a global fund to help island countries build essential air routes. Why not let Indonesia lead that?
Becoming a Civilized Sky Nation
Aviation is not just about planes and profit. It reflects our civilization. The higher our values, the more humane our skies become—safe, secure, sustainable, and inclusive.
True leadership in the sky is not about owning the most Boeing or Airbus. It’s about having a fair and human-centered vision of aviation. One that reflects our Constitution’s mission: to enlighten our people and to contribute to global peace—even in the skies.
