"It is important to follow the current trends but we also need to make adjustments to facilitate locals' culture and hobby. We will establish coordination to identify which areas are the hotspots of recreational helicopter flights," he said in Badung district, Bali.
Uno made the statement in response to reports about kite strings getting tangled with the rotor blades of helicopters flying at low altitudes above tourism zones.
He noted that Bali offers kite-flying as a tourist activity, which has historical and cultural importance in the eyes of locals. He then underlined that his ministry has been showing support for kite-flying, including by promoting the holding of kite festivals.
"The government has been supporting kite festivals. We will take measures similar to those employed for controlling hot air balloons in Wonosobo that were interfering with flights. We will collaborate with colleagues from the Transportation Ministry," he informed, referring to Wonosobo district in Central Java province.
Uno further said that the government has devised regulations on recreational helicopter flights and will focus on monitoring people's compliance with the rules.
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"With the latest regulations and help from the Transportation Ministry, we will be able to prevent accidents involving kites and helicopters," he added.
According to the minister, recreational helicopter flights have been gaining popularity among domestic and foreign tourists keen to take in Bali's aerial panoramas since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. He admitted to sharing their keen interest in riding helicopters to enjoy a wider view of Bali Island.
