AirNav Receives 30 Reports Of Illegal Air Balloon Flights During The Eid Period

Residents watched the traditional balloon flight when the hot air balloon festival was held at the Kledung field, Temanggung, Central Java, Thursday (27/4/2023). (Antara/Anis Efizudin)

The Perum Institute for Indonesian Aviation Navigation Services (LPPNPI) or AirNav Indonesia noted that there were 30 reports of wild air balloon flights during the Eid 2024 period.

AirNav Indonesia Corporate Secretary Hermana Soegiantoro said from the report data received, when compared to last year's decline.

"From the pilot or PIREP report data that we received during the Eid 2024 period, there were currently 30 reports. It fell from the number last year, which was 68 reports," he told reporters, Sunday, April 21.

Of the dozens of reports of wild air balloons being flown, Hermana is grateful that no one hit the plane. Even so, he admitted that he had received reports from pilots who recorded the presence of hot air balloons in a fairly close proximity to the plane.

"Meanwhile, not yet, and hopefully none. But we've received video recordings from pilots who saw balloons from close range," he explained.

Furthermore, Hermana explained that his party issued Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) to all airlines to avoid areas of potential danger related to hot air balloons.

"Then we divert a little flight routes, so as to avoid areas that have potential hazards," he explained.

Hermana said that from 2017, 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 for the tradition of hot air balloons.

Furthermore, Hermana said that his party also involved local governments, the TNI-Polri and the local balloon community in conducting various socializations.

The socialization is carried out in various forms. Such as through banners, billboards, content on social media, to community empowerment through social responsibility programs or CSR.

"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," he said.

Hermana said the tradition of air balloon flights in Eid al-Fitr momentum could be carried out. Even so, it must still be in accordance with applicable regulations and procedures, so as not to endanger flight safety. Given, 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," he said.