ICANN's 87th Public Meeting: A Glimpse into the Future of Internet Governance in Bali, Indonesia
ICANN's 87th Public Meeting: A Step Towards Global Internet Governance
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is set to hold its 87th public meeting in the picturesque setting of Bali, Indonesia, from October 17 to 22, 2026. This marks a significant milestone as it is the first time the ICANN meeting will take place in Indonesia, emphasizing the country’s growing influence in the internet ecosystem.
Hosted by the Pengelola Nama Domain Internet Indonesia (PANDI), Indonesia’s official domain name registration body, the event will be held at the Bali International Convention Centre. This venue is no stranger to important gatherings, being a past host for significant global events like the G20 Summit in 2022.
A Convergence of Global Internet Stakeholders
ICANN87 aims to unite participants from across the globe to explore pressing issues related to policy-making and technical coordination to ensure a stable, secure, and unified global Internet. As Kurtis Lindqvist, President and CEO of ICANN, expressed, the gathering presents an essential opportunity for community engagement, focusing on political initiatives, capacity building, and collaborative efforts. Furthermore, the first day of the conference coincides with UNESCO's International Day of Intangible Cultural Heritage, highlighting the rich cultural and linguistic diversity present within the global internet community.
“Hosting ICANN87 in Bali is a landmark achievement for Indonesia,” stated Isnawan, the Chairman of PANDI. “It reflects our country's swift digital ecosystem growth and underscores our important role in the Asia-Pacific internet community.”
Key Topics on the Agenda
The agenda promises to be dynamic as the meeting occurs right after the application deadline for the 2026 round of new generic top-level domains (gTLD) program, which closed on August 12, 2026, receiving over 1,600 initial applications. This meeting will be crucial for the community to discuss the outcomes of this application round, answering vital questions related to next steps and implementations.
Another pivotal matter to be addressed is the report from the Review of Reviews Cross Community Group, which strives to recommend enhancements to ICANN’s review processes, boosting accountability and transparency within the organization. Additionally, pressing concerns such as the misuse of the Domain Name System (DNS) and the ongoing dialogue fostering a multilingual internet will be focal points in discussions.
One of the highlights of the event is the annual Dr. Tarek Kamel Award for Capacity Building, recognizing a community member's valuable contributions. The recipient will be honored during the welcome ceremony, celebrating individual achievements in capacity-building efforts aligned with ICANN's mission.
Open Engage: How to Participate
All interested parties are invited to attend the ICANN public sessions free of charge. On-site registration will remain open until October 14, 2026, providing an accessible platform for various stakeholders to engage in discussions. Further details regarding the registration process and event scheduling can be found on the ICANN87 meeting's designated website.
About ICANN and PANDI
Established to contribute to a stable, safe, and unified global Internet, ICANN plays a pivotal role in coordinating unique identifiers worldwide. Since its inception in 1998 as a non-profit organization focused on public interest, ICANN emphasizes the need for unique addresses to facilitate connections on the internet.
On the other hand, PANDI stands as the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) registrar for Indonesia, managing the .id domain. As of December 31, 2025, the number of registered .id domain names surpassed 1.4 million, marking it as the largest ccTLD in Southeast Asia. By fostering a sustainable domain ecosystem, PANDI aims to strengthen Indonesia's role in global internet governance and security.
In conclusion, ICANN87 promises to be a platform for collaboration, innovation, and development within the global internet community as discussions steer towards creating a more resilient and inclusive digital landscape.
Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the event!