The Faculty of Law of Universitas Dirgantara Marsekal Suryadarma (UNSURYA), in collaboration with the Committee constituted by students from the Master of Laws Program of the Faculty of Law, Unsurya, Class of V, under the chairmanship of First Marshal of the TNI Mohamad Satriyo Utomo, S.H., successfully hosted an international seminar in a hybrid format (both online and on-site) on Wednesday, 30 April 2025. The seminar’s theme was “The Modernization of Aviation Law for Aviation Safety and Security: A Comparative Study of Indonesia and Malaysia.” The event was skillfully moderated by Dr. Grace Sharon, S.H., M.H. (Head of the Law Study Program, President University).
The speakers for this event were as follows:
- Professor Dr. Salawati binti Mat Basir, Faculty of Law, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
- Ridha Aditya Nugraha, LL.M., Head of Air and Space Law Studies. Universitas Prasetiya Mulya
- Kol PNB (Purn) Dr. Supri Abu, S.H., M.H., Lecturer Master of Laws Program, Universitas Dirgantara Marsekal Suryadarma
- Assistant Professor Dr. Rizky Karo Karo, S.H., M.H, Researcher, Unsurya Center for Air and Space Law Studies
This event was attended by two hundred and sixty-two (262) on-site participants in the Super Puma Hall of Campus C, Unsurya, Jakarta, Indonesia, representing a diverse range of institutions, and an additional three hundred and ninety-two (392) participants online. The attendees of this international seminar hailed from Indonesia and Malaysia, and included international students from the Faculty of Law, President University, originating from Myanmar, Timor Leste, Canada, and Tiongkok. Indonesian participants comprised representatives from various governmental bodies, State Institutions, Ministries, Non-Ministerial Government Agencies, Regional Governments, as well as the private sector.
In his welcoming remarks, the Rector of UNSURYA, Air Vice Marshal TNI (Ret.). Dr. Sungkono, S.E., M.Si., conveyed that Unsurya possesses a distinct academic focus in the field of aerospace. He further stated that this event holds significant value for the advancement of air transportation law, aviation and space law in both Indonesia and Malaysia, and for the strengthening of international academic collaboration and research activities between Unsurya and the Faculty of Law, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. The Rector expressed his gratitude for the collaborative nature of this undertaking and remarked, “We recognize that UKM is among the finest universities globally and within ASEAN, evidenced by its commendable standing in the QS World University Rankings.”
The International Seminar, organized by the Master of Laws Program of the Faculty of Law, UNSURYA, in collaboration with the Faculty of Law, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, is purposed to impart knowledge of private international air law to the academic community and the wider public in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the ASEAN region. This activity also represents a collaborative effort between UKM and UNSURYA.
We have had the privilege of hearing Professor Salawati’s exposition regarding the MH 370 incident, considered from the perspective of The Montreal Convention within a Malaysian context. The Government of Malaysia is committed to affording the utmost protection to passengers traveling to Malaysia or departing from Malaysia to other nations.
Mr. Ridha underscored the imperative for an expedited deliberation of the Draft Bill concerning Airspace Management, emphasizing the necessity of meaningful participation from various relevant agencies, including universities, given the rapid advancements in airspace utilization for the aviation industry and navigational services within Indonesia.
Both distinguished speakers from UNSURYA (Dr. Supriabu, and Dr. Rizky) highlighted the strong commitment of the Indonesian Government to realizing high-quality international aviation, safeguarding both Indonesian and foreign national air passengers, and that the Indonesian Aviation Law is purposed to achieve the orderly, regular, safe, secure, and comfortable conduct of aviation at reasonable prices, while also preventing unfair business competition, upholding national sovereignty, and strengthening international relations.
The online and on-site seminar participants exhibited considerable enthusiasm, posing incisive questions to the speakers and expressing their hope for similar events in the future. Attendees conveyed their pleasure at visiting the Faculty of Law, Unsurya, and at gaining legal insights into aviation law in Indonesia and Malaysia.
The Dean of the Faculty of Law, UNSURYA, Air Vice Marshal TNI (Ret.) Dr. Sujono, S.H., M.H., C.Fr.A., delivered the closing remarks, expressing his appreciation to all online and on-site seminar participants representing various governmental and private institutions throughout Indonesia. He also extended his sincere gratitude to the entire organizing committee for their dedicated work, as well as to the moderator and all the distinguished speakers. It is hoped that this International Seminar will generate constructive conclusions and recommendations to facilitate the reform of the law, particularly concerning the establishment of a more effective and modern national air transportation system.
