Indonesia: Kite-Flying Puts Planes at Risk Near Jakarta Airport
Officials warn that kite-flying near Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta Airport threatens flight safety as kites and strings disrupt operations and pose serious hazards.
Kite-Flying Disruptions Near Airport
At a rice field two kilometres from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta, children tug on kite strings as planes roar overhead. Authorities warn that stray kites and tangled strings can interfere with aircraft sensors or engines, posing a serious safety risk.
In early July, AirNav Indonesia reported 21 flight disruptions in three days, with some aircraft diverted or aborting landings due to kites.
Accidents Highlight Dangers
These concerns are not unfounded. In July 2024, a helicopter in Bali crashed after its rotor became entangled in kite strings, injuring five people on board. In July 2020, remnants of a kite were found in a jet engine at Soekarno-Hatta. Although the plane landed safely, airport officials launched a task force to curb nearby kite-flying.
Cultural Tradition vs. Safety
Kite-flying is deeply rooted in Indonesian culture, used in harvest rituals, crop protection, and religious offerings. Experts say the pastime, passed down for generations, remains popular during the school holidays.
“Kite-flying is part of our heritage,” says Asep Irawan of the Indonesia Kite Museum. “But we must teach children about the potential dangers.”
Enforcement and Limited Space
Authorities have tried providing footballs and badminton racquets to steer children away from kites. Yet, urban sprawl has reduced Jakarta’s green spaces by 31% since 2000, leaving few safe areas for flying kites.
Transport Minister Dudy Purwandani has urged stricter cooperation between airport and regional officials to educate communities and minimize hazards. Violators can face up to three years in prison or fines of one billion rupiah ($61,000).
Local Voices
Seventeen-year-old Rasha, who makes and sells kites, recalls having his kites seized and burned by officials. “It’s dangerous, but we have no other space to fly them,” he says.
Kites woven into Indonesia’s traditions now conflict with modern aviation safety, forcing authorities and communities to find a balance.
This topic was reported by BBC News.
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