VIVAnews - Member of Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) Faction at the House of Representatives (DPR), Mangara Siahaan, said that the enactment of the Law on Aviation is aimed at providing security and safety guarantee in air transportation.
"It should be recalled that in 2007, the federal aviation administration (FAA) has lowered Indonesia's rank because the Indonesian regulator does not meet the standards of international civil aviation safety control," said Siahaan at DPR plenary meeting on Wednesday, Dec 17. The enactment of the Law on Aviation is one of the items on the meeting's agenda.
In 2007, there were 19 accidents. The high accident rate, said Siahaan, brought about a serious response from the European Union. As a result, Indonesian airlines are banned from flying over European Union airspace until today.
Siahaan said that the rate of airplane accidents has increased in 2008, reaching 21 cases. "This is because of the weak government control over aviation services," he said.
Therefore, it has triggered DPR to pass a Law on Aviation. With the Law, he said, it is expected that a firm separation between the function of regulator and aviation operator can guarantee consumers' safety.
Member of National Mandate Party (PAN), Abdul Hadi Jamal, said that with the enactment of the Law, it is hoped that the European Union will lift the ban.
Transportation Minister Jusman Syafii Djamal said that the Law on Aviation prioritizes safety and security of national aviation, refering to the regulation of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Translated by: Bonardo Maulana Wahono
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