After several near-miss incidents involving helicopters that could have resulted in casualties, Indonesian officials have outlined new measures to ensure the safety of tourist helicopter flights over the paradise island.
Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism, Sandiaga Uno, confirmed that he will introduce new regulations that protect tourists while also preserving Bali's kite-flying culture. Kite flying is a traditional and beloved pastime for Balinese and Indonesians alike, ingrained in their way of life over centuries.
Concerns were raised by many cultural leaders in Bali that after two incidents where kite strings became entangled in helicopter rotors, officials might prioritize the relatively new tourist flights over traditional kite-flying activities. However, Sandiaga Uno made it clear that the authorities do not intend to restrict the local hobby. During a visit to Bali, he emphasized his commitment to finding a solution that benefits everyone, highlighting that preserving local culture should remain a priority.
"We must follow the latest trends, adapt, and make adjustments without disrupting the culture of the Balinese people or the favorite hobby of many residents," the minister stated. He added, "We will work on identifying areas and flight routes for helicopters that are both of great interest and safe from kite-flying activities."
“We have a kite festival that we also support, and we want it to become as popular as the balloon festival in Wonosobo [Central Java], where we adjusted flight paths. A similar policy might be implemented in Bali,” he said.
The popularity and frequency of tourist helicopter flights have increased since the pandemic ended, with multiple daily flights departing from the Bukit Peninsula, circling the peninsula and southern coast, visiting Tanah Lot Temple, and venturing inland over Ubud, Batur, and Agung.
"Thanks to the latest measures and assistance from the Ministry of Transportation and other stakeholders, we can plan this in a way that prevents further incidents with kites intersecting with helicopter tourism," Uno stated confidently.
Existing laws already specify where locals can fly kites, designed to ensure the safety of both residents and aircraft around Ngurah Rai International Airport and other airstrips in Bali. However, civil service officers complain that many locals do not take warnings about the risks of flying kites at high altitudes seriously.
Authorities are clearly aiming to ensure that no one feels disadvantaged: airlines are promised routes that avoid encounters with kites, and Balinese residents will not be prohibited from enjoying their traditional pastime.
Sources: ANTARA, Tribun-bali.com
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