Releasing hot air balloons illegally can disrupt and harm flight activities and safety.
Semarang, C Java (ANTARA) - State-run air traffic control service provider AirNav Indonesia’s office in Semarang City, Central Java Province, urged the public to comply with the prohibition on the release of hot air balloons during Eid Al-Fitr celebrations.

"Releasing hot air balloons illegally can disrupt and harm flight activities and safety," operational manager of the Semarang Office of AirNav Kelik Widjanarko remarked here on Monday.

According to the Regulation of Transportation Minister Number 40 of 2018 regarding the Use of Hot Air Balloons during Community Cultural Activities, people cannot fly hot air balloons without permission, he noted.

He said the regulation states that the release of hot air balloons must comply with various provisions, including notifying related authorities regarding the purpose of the activities.

Furthermore, the balloons should have a maximum height of seven meters (m) with striking colors and at least three mooring ropes tied with flags, so they can be seen easily, the operational manager explained.

In addition, the balloons were permitted to be flown at a maximum altitude of 150 m, he stated.

He emphasized that criminal sanctions will be imposed for the release of hot air balloons that fail to meet these requirements.

"Hot air balloons cannot be released illegally and must be moored according to applicable regulations," Widjanarko emphasized.

Widjanarko said his side had urged the local governments to help in educating the communities, who follow a tradition of releasing hot air balloons during the Eid al-Fitr celebrations.

“We are also collaborating with other stakeholders to monitor and prevent illegally released hot air balloons," he added.

If illegally released balloons are still found, his side will issue a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) to rearrange the flight routes to avoid coming in their path.

The Religious Affairs Ministry had announced that the 1444 Hijri Eid al-Fitr would be observed in Indonesia on April 22 this year.

The government set the joint leave period for the holy day from April 19 to April 25, 2023.

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Translator: Wisnu Nugroho, Uyu Liman
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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