Ahead of Lebaran 2026, the Minister of Transportation asks Zero Airlines to make no compromises on safety

JAKARTA - Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi emphasized that flight safety should not be compromised ahead of the surge in mobility during the 2026 Lebaran Transportation.

The emphasis was conveyed by the Minister of Transportation when opening the 2026 CEO Safety Meeting at the Ministry of Transportation Headquarters.

According to Dudy, safety is the foundation of national connectivity as well as part of the state's mandate. Without safety, he said, there would be no public trust, economic growth, or Indonesia's reputation in the eyes of the international community.

"Therefore, aviation safety is part of the big strategy for national development. Safety must be the top priority for the national aviation industry," said Dudy in an official statement, Thursday, February 26.

Dudy emphasized that the increase in flight frequencies and passenger movements during the peak homecoming and return flow seasons should not be responded to with relaxation of standards.

Airworthiness inspection, continued Dudy, the readiness of the crew, the fulfillment of technical documents, operational procedures, to the aspect of human factor must be ensured in accordance with the provisions.

"During Lebaran, operational pressure will increase. At this point, safety discipline is tested. There must be no compromise on safety in the face of peak season. Ramp checks must be carried out consistently, thoroughly, and without tolerance for deviations," he said.

He also reminded airline leaders to view ramp checks not as an administrative burden, but as a joint protection mechanism for passengers, crew, and companies.

"Safety is not just a fulfillment of regulations, but a moral commitment and legal responsibility. Every company policy must be based on the principle that safety is the top priority," said Dudy.

Meanwhile, Director General of Air Transportation Lukman F. Laisa added that safety responsibility is directly in the hands of the highest leadership of the company.

He highlighted the importance of an open reporting culture and data-driven risk management to prevent potential incidents during the Lebaran period.

"Safety is not only the task of regulators or safety managers. Every business and operational decision must be based on safety considerations," he said.

During the forum, the regulator also explained the national safety performance and the supervisory measures that will be strengthened ahead of Eid.

Evaluation based on ICAO Effective Implementation (EI) indicators and the National Aviation Safety Plan 2024-2026 targets are used as a reference for improving operational standards.

The government hopes that this strengthened commitment will ensure that air mobility, including during the Lebaran period, continues to be safe and reliable.

Passenger safety is emphasized as the highest priority in every phase of national flight operations.