Indonesia strengthens Asia-Pacific aviation safety inspectors

Indonesia has completed a 15-day international training program aimed at enhancing the skills of aviation safety inspectors across the Asia-Pacific region. The course, conducted under the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Government Safety Inspector Airworthiness Air Operator and Approved Maintenance Organization Certification (GSI-AIR) framework, ended in Jakarta on Friday. It brought together 16 inspectors from 10 different countries, including Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Papua New Guinea, Thailand, Vietnam, Timor-Leste, Fiji, Laos, India, and Hong Kong. The initiative was organized by Indonesia’s Ministry of Transportation, ICAO, and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-Boeing partnership. According to Sukahir, head of the Curug Aviation Education and Training Center (BP3 Curug), the course focused on improving the competencies, qualifications, and standardization of airworthiness inspectors. This enables them to perform aircraft certification and civil aviation safety oversight in compliance with ICAO standards. The program aligns with Law No. 1 of 2009 on Aviation and Government Regulation No. 51 of 2012 on Human Resources in the Transportation Sector, both of which emphasize the need to enhance the capabilities of transportation personnel to ensure aviation safety. Participants included three inspectors each from Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Papua New Guinea, alongside one representative from seven other nations. During the training, they received detailed instruction on air operator and approved maintenance organization certification. Topics covered included evaluating certification documents, following ICAO’s Five-Phase Certification Process, applying field inspection techniques, and implementing safety oversight procedures. Additionally, the course featured a “Train the Trainer” component, preparing participants to become future instructors who can help build aviation safety expertise in their home countries. Sukahir noted that the participants’ commitment and active involvement reflected a shared dedication to advancing aviation safety culture within their respective nations. He expressed optimism that the knowledge and experiences gained during the course would contribute to more effective aviation safety oversight. Meanwhile, Ratri, acting head of training at the Center for Human Resources Development of Air Transportation (PPSDMPU), highlighted that the course not only enhanced participants’ technical abilities but also fostered stronger professional connections among aviation safety inspectors throughout the Asia-Pacific region. She emphasized that the participants showed marked improvements in their understanding of certification and oversight processes aligned with ICAO standards. Ratri added that the successful execution of the ICAO GSI-AIR Course reinforces Indonesia’s standing as a key center for aviation human resources development in the Asia-Pacific. The country plans to host two more ICAO-led international training sessions in August and September 2026, focusing on Government Safety Inspector Operations, Air Operator Certification and Government Safety Inspector, Personnel Licensing. These training initiatives are part of Indonesia’s broader strategy to bolster aviation human resources in accordance with global standards. They also support the nation’s active engagement in international civil aviation governance, including its ongoing bid for a seat on the ICAO Council. As part of this effort, Indonesia continues to implement stricter aviation safety measures, particularly in regions such as Papua, where recent actions have been taken to reinforce regulatory compliance and operational integrity.