A video showing a child getting stuck while riding the Flying Fox attraction on Nusa Penida has gone viral. The design of this attraction is fairly simple – several steel cables are stretched over a chasm at a slight angle, allowing a person to zip down under their own weight.
However, this time, practice didn't align with theory. The viral video shows the child getting stuck halfway and, with great effort, swinging desperately to reach the end point. The total length of the ride was 170 meters.
The video has been viewed by over half a million users and has caught the attention of the authorities, who immediately conducted an inspection of the attraction. It is now temporarily closed by the police. It was revealed that the owners did not have any permits for such an activity.
Deva Putu Suwarbawa, head of the police and fire department of the district, stated that the attraction was closed not only for safety reasons but also because it was operating without the necessary permits. It had only been open for two weeks, since July 2nd.
Suwarba acknowledged that tourism development is, of course, important for the island, but all parties must follow the rules and obtain the necessary permits before starting operations.
Nusa Penida police chief Ida Bagus Putra Sumertha reported that an 11-year-old foreign boy got stuck on the attraction. The child was left hanging about 100 meters above the ocean due to headwinds. He had to hang there for about three minutes. Fortunately, he avoided injuries and other issues.
The attraction's manager, I Gusti Bagus Adivijaya, explained that the child received permission from his parents to ride the Flying Fox. He also assured that the attractions he manages are safe, tested by people weighing more than 100 kilograms. Additionally, the structure is professionally built and equipped with safety ropes that can be used to move passengers if they get stuck.
Adivijaya mentioned that neither the child nor his parents have any complaints about the attraction.
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