In related news, the State Department warns US citizens to avoid travel on Indonesian flag carriers.
FAA Release 16 Apr 07:
FAA Lowers Safety Rating for Indonesia
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today announced that Indonesia does not comply with international safety standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), following a consultation with the Indonesian civil aviation authority on March 6, 2007.
The FAA had previously assessed Indonesia's civil aviation authority in September, 1997, and found it in compliance with ICAO standards. However, after the latest consultation, the agency determined that Indonesia was no longer overseeing the safety of its airlines in accordance with international standards.
Indonesia’s safety rating was lowered from Category 1 to Category 2. A Category 1 rating means the country’s civil aviation authority complies with ICAO standards. A Category 2 rating means a country either lacks laws or regulations necessary to oversee air carriers in accordance with minimum international standards, or that its civil aviation authority – equivalent to the FAA – is deficient in one or more areas, such as technical expertise, trained personnel, record keeping or inspection procedures.
The FAA will remain engaged with the civil aviation authority in Indonesia and will periodically review the situation with the intention of encouraging improvements that will qualify Indonesia for a Category 1 rating.
As part of the FAA’s International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) program, the agency assesses the civil aviation authorities of all countries with air carriers that operate to the United States and makes that information available to the public. The assessments determine whether or not foreign civil aviation authorities are meeting ICAO safety standards, not FAA regulations.
Countries with air carriers that fly to the United States must adhere to the safety standards of ICAO, the United Nations’ technical agency for aviation that establishes international standards and recommended practices for aircraft operations and maintenance.