Receive 30 Reports Of Illegal Air Balloon Flights, AirNav: During The 2024 Eid Period

AirNav Indonesia Corporate Secretary Hermana Soegiantoro. (Photo: Doc. ANTARA)

WONOSOBO - Perum Indonesian Aviation Navigation Service Operators (LPPNPI) or AirNav Indonesia said there were 30 reports of wild air balloon flights during the 2024 Eid homecoming and return periods.

"From the pilot or PIREP report data we received during the Eid 2024 period, there were currently 30 reports," said AirNav Indonesia Corporate Secretary Hermana Soegiantoro as quoted by ANTARA, Sunday, April 21.

According to Hermana, this number decreased when compared to the reports received by AirNav Indonesia in 2023 as many as 68 reports.

Hermana conveyed that from dozens of reports regarding air flights that were allegedly carried out illegally, he was grateful that no hot air balloon hit the plane.

"Meanwhile, I haven't and hopefully it doesn't exist. But we've received video recordings from pilots who saw balloons from close range," said Hermana.

He explained that as long as his party received reports of wild air balloon flights, AirNav usually issued NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) to all airlines. "Then we divert a little flight routes so as to avoid areas that have potential hazards," he explained.

From 2017, continued Hermana, AirNav has actively socialized the dangers of hot air balloons to flights.

Socialization is carried out in two areas in Central Java, namely Pekalongan and Wonosobo, as areas known as the tradition of hot air balloons.

Hermana further said that his party was working with the local government, the TNI-Polri and the local balloon community, conducting various socializations in the form of banners, billboards, content on social media, community empowerment through social responsibility programs.

"Also the creation of an air balloon festival that is moored with a minimum of three rope threads, in accordance with the Regulation of the Minister of Transportation Number 40 of 2018 concerning the Use of Air Balloons in Community Cultural Activities," said Hermana.

He added that the tradition of air balloon flights can be carried out but must be in accordance with applicable regulations and procedures, so as not to endanger flight safety.

Hermana emphasized the importance of obeying the rules set in air balloon flights so as not to interfere with aircraft flights because above Java Island, there is the busiest flight route in Indonesia, with an average of 150 flights per day.

"Instead of being flown freely and wildly, it is better to validate it by mooring it so that it can become a unique tourist attraction and improve the economy of the local community," said Hermana.

Previously, the Director of Aviation Navigation of the Directorate General of Air Transportation of the Ministry of Transportation Sigit Hani Hadiyanto directly monitored the peak of the air balloon festival in Wonosobo Square, Wonosobo Regency, Central Java, so that it did not interfere with air flights.

"This morning we were in Wonosobo City, precisely in the square of Wonosobo city following and monitoring the air balloon festival as part of the homecoming festival held by the Wonosobo Regency Government," said Sigit on the sidelines of attending the air balloon festival peak event at the Wonosobo square, Sunday.

Sigit assessed that the implementation of the air balloon festival culture organized by the Wonosobo Regency Government had complied with the rules that had been set so as not to interfere with flight safety.

In the same place, Wonosobo Regent Afif Nurhidayat appreciated the enthusiasm of the community in enlivening this tradition as a joint effort to preserve local traditions and culture in Wonosobo.

This air balloon festival was attended by 53 hot air balloon communities. Hopefully next year it can be even better," Afif said on the sidelines of releasing air balloon flights.

The public was very enthusiastic about attending the peak of the festival. This can be seen by people from various age groups, both children and adults arriving at the location of the air balloon flight since 05.30 WIB.

Meanwhile, the TNI-Polri were also seen on roads around the Wonosobo square to secure the festival.