#Indonesia #Bali #ICANN #PANDI

Insights on the 87th ICANN Public Meeting in Bali

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is gearing up for its 87th Public Meeting, set to take place from October 17 to 22, 2026 in the stunning backdrop of Bali, Indonesia. This pivotal gathering will mark ICANN’s first-ever meeting in Indonesia, and it is expected to draw a diverse group of participants from around the globe, all coming together to address essential aspects of internet governance.

Significance of ICANN87

ICANN plays a critical role in ensuring a stable and secure global internet by coordinating the unique identifiers that facilitate online communication. The upcoming meeting will focus on significant topics such as the closure of the New Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD) Program 2026 application submission window, which concluded on August 12 with over 1,600 applications.

This is an essential event for stakeholders as it allows critical discussions regarding the community's reviews and policy advancement for the global internet framework. Moreover, with ongoing challenges surrounding Domain Name System (DNS) abuse and the advocacy for a multilingual internet, ICANN87 will provide a platform for collaborative efforts to enhance global policy standards.

Notable Highlights

One of the anticipated moments during the meeting will be the acknowledgment of the Dr. Tarek Kamel Award for Capacity Building, presented annually to recognize individuals who have made commendable contributions to the development of capacities in line with ICANN's mission. This year's recipient will be celebrated during the ICANN87 Welcome Ceremony.

Additionally, participants will engage in discussions around the Review of Reviews Cross Community Group's recommendations, aimed at amplifying ICANN's accountability and transparency. The meeting's location in Bali—to coincide with UNESCO's International Day of the Intangible Cultural Heritage—amplifies the message of cultural diversity and the necessity of collaborative efforts across cultures to support a unified internet.

PANDI’s Role

Hosting the ICANN87 meeting is the Pengelola Nama Domain Internet Indonesia (PANDI), Indonesia's official registry for country-code top-level domains. PANDI has expressed its pride in hosting this significant global event, emphasizing the growth of Indonesia's digital landscape and its crucial position in the Asia-Pacific internet community.

Isnawan, the Chair of PANDI, stated, "We hope ICANN87 will strengthen collaboration and contribute to a more secure, inclusive, and resilient global Internet." This sentiment echoes the widespread anticipation for ICANN87, which not only aims to propel policy discussions forward but also to reinforce Indonesia's involvement in international digital governance dialogues.

Registration and Participation

The meeting is open to all, with registration available until October 14, 2026. Given the significance of the discussions that will unfold, in-person participation is highly encouraged, as it provides an experiential backdrop to crucial dialogue that will shape the future of the internet.

From discussions on enhancing DNS security to promoting inclusivity in policy implementation, ICANN87 presents an invaluable opportunity for stakeholders to engage directly with peers, share insights, and contribute to the evolving landscape of internet governance.

Conclusion

As the countdown to ICANN87 begins, the stage is set for important debates that will guide the future of how we connect to and manage the internet globally. The picturesque setting of Bali, combined with critical discussions about the security and functionality of the digital space, will leave lasting impressions, potentially redefining how policies evolve in our interconnected world.