News

Securing the Future

Indonesia and Australia Working in Partnership

In the wake of the Bali bombing, October 2002, the concept for the Joint Indonesia-Australia Aviation Security Project (IAAP) emerged.  September 11, 2001, ignited widespread fear of airborne terrorism within Australia.  This attack on a popular holiday destination spot, in close proximity to Australia, further fuelled this fear of terrorism, in all its guises.  The two events heightened the need for the Government of Australia (GoA) to seriously progress counter-terrorism strategies to ensure a more secure South East Asia region. 

Since its commencement in October 2005, IAAP has embarked on strengthening the capacity of resources of the Government of Indonesia (GoI) with the purpose of ensuring the State complies with the aviation security standards in Annex 17 of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).  Working primarily with the Indonesian Directorate of Air Communication (DGAC) – under the Ministry of Transportation – IAAP is addressing the shortfall of aviation security in Indonesia by: (i) assisting DGAC to develop a Directorate of Aviation Security; (ii) aligning the GoI policies and regulations to meet ICAO standards; and (iii) developing human resource skills through training at the national central office as well as training personnel at Jakarta and Bali airports.  The combination of training and strengthening the infrastructure of policies and regulations is an approach to developing a sustainable ‘aviation security culture’ for the prevention of terrorists boarding aircraft.

Funded by AusAID, through the Department of Transportation and Regional Services (DOTARS), IAAP is managed by HAI.  The Project operates as an ‘extension’ to the DOTARS office in Jakarta.  At first glance, it may appear that the IAAP serves the purpose of simply preventing terrorism to protect Australians rather than seeking to improve the lives of people in Indonesia.  The government donor may wish for the project to develop an ‘aviation security culture’ but does the project serve the interests of the recipient government (the client)?

A potential obstacle to IAAP receiving cooperation from the client (GoI) was the possibility of the client believing that the donor (GoA) considered that there was support for terrorism within Indonesia.  To date, IAAP has not encountered this obstacle; instead project staff have been successful in gaining the cooperation and support of the DGAC in developing an organisational structure, a significant opportunity for the donor to assist the client.  Another challenge is to achieve the project objectives without placing too much demand on the limited human resources of the DGAC aviation security section.  In addition other donors, such as the United States, Japan and potentially the Netherlands, are also driving their aviation security agenda within Indonesia.  

However, the fact that the client (GoI) has been cooperative with the GoA or that there are multiple donors operating in this sector does not explain whether IAAP serves the client’s interests.  In order to address this question, the strategic thinking of the GoI and sentiments of the Indonesian public must be explored. 

Over the past few years, formal agreements have been signed by both the GoA and GoI in mutual support of the need to combat terrorism.  Economically the Bali bombing had a severe impact upon Indonesia as local businesses suffered.  Further, if aviation security fails to be effective when a large volume of flights to Australia travel via Indonesia, there will be a significant negative impact on the client’s (GoI) international and trade relations.  To quote from the Joint Ministerial Statement, 11 March 2003, “The Bali bomb attack had underscored that Australia and Indonesia's prosperity, security and stability were linked - as neighbours, they must support each other.  Both countries placed a high priority on working closely together to combat terrorism.”      

The Bali bombing was devastating for many within Indonesia, particularly the Balinese, who lost relatives and friends.  Further, due to the informal and personal ties between the two nations, Indonesians and Australians mourned together sharing a sense of loss and grief.

Therefore, if both countries wish for improved aviation security measures, IAAP can be seen as serving both development interest of Indonesia and the national security interest of Australia.  An added success and benefit from IAAP for both client and donor is the relationship building between the two agencies, DGAC and DOTARS, through the exchange of general information and aviation security intelligence.  This genuine partnership is a solid foundation for the future development of aviation security in Indonesia.

Peter McLinton, Team Leader, IAAP, iaap@cbn.net.id

Antonia Kaucz, akaucz@hassall.com.au