Indonesia takes active role in boosting ASEAN-China air connectivity

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia reiterated its commitment to actively strengthen air connectivity between ASEAN countries and China to expand regional market access and strengthen its aviation industry.

"Indonesia is committed to playing an active role in pushing for aviation services integration between ASEAN and China to support economic, tourism, and regional aviation industry growth," Director General of Air Transport Lukman F. Laisa stated in his remarks on Sunday.

His remarks were conveyed in relation to the 17th ASEAN–China Working Group on Regional Air Services Arrangements (ACWG-RASA) meeting, hosted by Indonesia's Transportation Ministry, in Yogyakarta on July 7-9, 2026.

According to Laisa, the meeting was a strategic medium to strengthen regional cooperation for more open, safe, and competitive air connectivity while at the same time strengthening Indonesia's position in the regional air transport network.

He explained that during the ASEAN-China Airlines Forum, participants highlighted strategic issues, including the roles of air cargo in e-commerce development, challenges in ASEAN-China aviation cooperation amid global tension, and airport slot allocation in airports.

The forum issued several recommendations on improving slot flexibility, Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) mechanisms, visa and immigration processes, aviation security and safety regulations, and capacity building.

Separate caucuses also took place to discuss four main issues, namely the ratification of Protocol 3 in the ASEAN-China Air Transport Agreement (P2 AC-ATA), liberalization of the Fifth Freedom rights in ASEAN-China cargo services, safety and operational aspects in the AC-ATA implementation, and flight management.

Indonesia, as the lead country for the ASEAN-China cooperation, also presented technical cooperation proposals in the unmanned aircraft systems sector.

Meanwhile, during the 17th ACWG-RASA plenary session, participants reached consensus on several points, including the reactivation of Makassar as a point in the P3 AC-ATA and the expansion of the Fifth Freedom rights by involving four main cargo hubs in China.

The Yogyakarta meeting was attended by 61 delegates from ASEAN countries and China and 127 representatives from regional aviation industry actors and stakeholders.

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Translator: M Harianto, Nabil Ihsan

Editor: Azis Kurmala

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