Updated Drone Laws in Indonesia In 2024

Drone technology is growing rapidly in Indonesia, with a wide range of applications now available to businesses, developers, and even everyday citizens.

From drone-assisted safety and security measures for property owners to use drones for search and rescue operations, Indonesian innovators are utilizing the opportunities that come with this new technology.

Drone-based delivery services are also popping up around the country, providing customers access to goods from anywhere without having to go out and get them physically.

As drone technology advances and more citizens in Indonesia enter the drone game, it’s important for everyone to understand the local laws and regulations regarding drones.

Drones are subject to a few different types of control depending on the purpose of the operation. With a growing industry that requires oversight and regulatory guidance, it is essential for prospective drone operators to learn about the applicable laws before they begin flying.

In this blog post, we will take a close look at drone laws in Indonesia, how they influence recreational use, business operations, and other considerations for those who wish to operate drones in Indonesia.

General Drone Rules to Follow in Indonesia (2024)

If you’re planning to take control of a drone in Indonesia, then these are must-know regulations:

• In Indonesia, drones are strictly limited to a maximum altitude of 500 feet if you anticipate venturing beyond this threshold.
• It is advised that permission be obtained from the appropriate authorities at least two weeks prior to the planned flight.
• Drone pilots must have their drones within visual range to ensure safety.
• Maximum horizontal distance and first-person view (FPV) use are both prohibited unless the drone is in direct line of sight with its operator.
• At present, there is no need to acquire aviation liability insurance for your drone.
• Drones that exceed 7 kilograms of maximum take-off weight (MTOW) are not permitted.
• Any flights must take place in airspace that is not regulated by air traffic control.
• Drone operations have to be performed at a minimum of 15 kilometers away from any airport runways.
• Keeping a safe distance from crowds and populated areas is paramount. To ensure adequate safety, the space between you and any clouds should be at least 150 meters (vertically) or 600 meters (horizontally).
• When utilizing drones with cameras, one must ensure they are kept a minimum of 500 meters away from restricted or prohibited areas.
• In Indonesia, drones are only authorized to take off when the sun is visible.
• Flying at night or in unfavorable weather circumstances is prohibited under law and requires a minimum visibility of 4.8 km before any flight operations can commence.
• It is important to remember that in the event your drone has a camera, you can only fly it up to 500 meters away from any land border.
• Drones are not allowed to be operated while inside a moving vehicle (except for vessels such as boats or ships).

Read Also: New Drone Laws in Venezuela

No Drone Zones in Indonesia

No Drone Zones are areas where the use of drones is prohibited by law. These zones are typically established in order to protect public safety, guard against potential security and privacy risks posed by drone technology, or preserve the peace and tranquility of a certain area:

Indonesia is taking steps to create zones free of drones. The government recently announced a ban on the use of drones in certain parts of the country, including popular tourist spots, national parks, and residential areas.

The ban is intended to protect public safety and guard against drone technology’s potential security and privacy risks. This news is a relief for many residents concerned about the safety implications of these devices.

The Indonesian Ministry of Transportation has identified absolutely off-limits locations for drone flights, designated as “Forbidden Areas.” These include but aren’t limited to:

• Territories where aerial activity is strictly forbidden
• Areas typically closed for civil aviation use can sometimes be opened up to the public, allowing people to experience a unique area set aside solely for government aerial activity.
• All flights must take off and land at least fifteen kilometers away from any aircraft runway and cannot exceed a height of 150 meters.
• Flying a drone is prohibited when air traffic control, flight information, and alert services are managed in specified airspace.
• If your drone has a camera, you must ensure that it is at least 500 m away from any prohibited flying zones for added safety.

Penalties for Violating Drone Laws in Indonesia

The punishments for your violation will be contingent on the type and extent of your crime. The court will also weigh if you deliberately committed it or if an economic benefit was involved.

Infringement of local laws could lead to a fine of up to IDR 5,000,000 and/or imprisonment for three years as maximum punishment.

Read Also: Drone Laws in Portugal

Recreational Rules for Drones in Indonesia

In Indonesia, those looking to utilize recreational drones are not required to register or obtain any permits.

For those who use drones recreationally, it is essential to ensure you adhere to the following regulations:

• Soar with your drone to a maximum height of 150 meters above the ground.
• Keep your drone far away from vehicles in motion, people, and large gatherings.
• Any drone that weighs more than 2 kilograms is prohibited from flying, making it important to choose a model within the required weight range.
• In order to take a drone for flight, you must be at least 18 years of age.
• Under no circumstances should a drone be piloted from a moving vehicle.
• When you’re flying a drone, be sure to maintain visibility of at least 4.8 kilometers and 15 kilometers away from any airport, seaplane base, or area where aircraft take off and land – always yielding the right-of-way to other types of aircraft in the sky.
• Ensure that you only fly your drone during the day and don’t take any risk by flying it in the evening.
• Never lose sight of your drone. Always keep it within view at all times.
• When flying a drone, it is paramount to maintain a safe distance away from clouds – stay at least 150 meters below and 600 meters away.
• The operator should never have more than one drone airborne at a time.
• To ensure safety, drones must be flown slower than 161 kilometers per hour while under the influence of any intoxicants.

If you wish to explore beyond Indonesia’s regulations for flying (e.g., BVLOS), then it is required that permission be attained from the Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

While acquiring this permission may take up to two weeks, please note that these are only typically granted for government applications.

Rules for Commercial Use of Drones in Indonesia

It is essential that you adhere to all of the steps and regulations associated with recreational drone use.

For any flight conducted for commercial gain, obtaining authorization from the Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and securing a suitable insurance policy that covers all your business operations is compulsory.

Ministry of Transportation Republic of Indonesia

The Ministry of the Transportation Republic of Indonesia (MOTRI) is the government agency responsible for transportation-related affairs in Indonesia.

The mission of MOTRI is to develop and implement an efficient, safe, and secure transportation infrastructure that supports economic growth.

The MOTRI oversees policy development, safety standards, air travel regulations, road traffic management, and overall control of land transport services in the nation.

The Ministry of the Transportation Republic of Indonesia (MOTRI) has established a comprehensive set of regulations for drone users in the country.

Under these rules, drones must be registered with MOTRI and comply with minimum safety standards. Drone operators must also obtain permission from MOTRI before flying their aircraft over populated areas or restricted airspaces, such as military bases or government buildings.

Read Also: New Drone Laws in Italy

Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is the government agency responsible for aviation safety and security in Indonesia. DGCA works to ensure that all flight operations, both domestic and international, are conducted in strict adherence to the relevant regulations and laws.

Their responsibilities include enforcing airline safety standards, issuing pilots and aircraft personnel licenses, inspecting airports and other aviation facilities, registering aircraft, and approving construction plans for new airports.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is also responsible for regulating and overseeing the safe operation of drones in Indonesia.

All drone operators must be registered with DGCA and obtain a permit before flying their aircraft over populated areas, for commercial purposes, and for restricted airspace.

Additionally, all drones are prohibited from entering designated No Drone Zone areas regulated by the agency. The DGCA also has policies and regulations requiring all drone operators to adhere to minimum safety standards while operating their aircraft.

FAQs

Conclusion

In conclusion, Indonesia’s drone laws have been created to protect citizens and the airspace from potential harm or danger posed by drones. The laws are designed to ensure that all operators, both commercial and recreational, adhere to the regulations in order to maintain safety.

Ultimately, these rules aim at establishing a safe and regulated environment for the operation of drones in this country. It is essential to be aware of the laws and regulations in place surrounding drone usage in Indonesia.

The proper protocols must be followed if one wishes to legally operate their drone without running afoul of any rules or restrictions.

As with any aviation activity, safety must always come first and should never be compromised. By remaining vigilant and adhering to the regulations, operators can have a safe and enjoyable time when using drones in Indonesia.

Drone laws in Indonesia are constantly evolving, so it’s important to stay on top of the regulations. Hope this article has been useful. Please feel free to leave a comment with any questions or suggestions you may have.