Source: Untar Public Relations – KS
Legal perspectives on aviation accidents in Indonesia have long focused primarily on airline responsibility or pilot error. However, in international legal practice, aircraft manufacturers may also be held accountable if defects are found in the products they produce.
The perspective is outlined in the book ‘Legal Responsibility of Aircraft Manufacturers’ by aviation law practitioners Columbanus Priaardanto, S.H., M.H. and Prof. Dr. Amad Sudiro, S.H., M.H., M.Kn., M.M.. The book was launched at Campus I Tarumanagara University, Jakarta, Thursday (5/3/2026). The launch was coupled with a seminar attended by students and legal practitioners.
In the book, Columbanus outlines the legal framework concerning aircraft manufacturers’ liability in aviation accidents related to design defects, production defects, or system failures in aircraft. According to him, this discussion is important because public discourse has largely positioned airlines as the primary parties responsible for aviation accidents.
“Consumers’ awareness of their legal rights in aviation still needs to be strengthened. Public attention has mostly focused on pilot or airline errors, while the possibility of aircraft manufacturers’ liability is rarely discussed,” he stated.
The book also emphasizes that airline passengers and the families of accident victims possess broader legal rights beyond merely receiving insurance compensation. In certain cases, liability may extend to aircraft manufacturers if product defects are proven to have existed during the design or production stages.
According to Columbanus, this approach aligns with the development of international aviation law, which increasingly places product safety as an important aspect of aviation consumer protection.
Amad Sudiro, who also serves as Rector of Untar, believes the book offers a new perspective in the study of aviation law in Indonesia. He expressed hope that the public would gain a better understanding that aircraft accidents are not always solely caused by operational errors by airlines.
“This book provides legal education to the public that, under certain conditions, aircraft manufacturers may also be held accountable if defects are found in the products they produce,” he explained.
Through the publication of the book, the authors hope to increase public legal awareness regarding passengers’ rights while also encouraging justice for aviation accident victims and their families. (KS/YS)