Kites face danger as airplanes pose a threat

At a paddy field two kilometres away from Jakarta’s international airport, the sound of fluttering kites is periodically overpowered by the loud rumble of plane engines. Children on the field are engrossed in kite-flying, their heads craned towards the sky and their eyes watchful for patrolling airport officials who may confiscate their kites and their fun. The field is the battleground between airport authorities and kite-flying, a beloved pastime in Indonesia which has been passed down through generations. Children have made themselves known to the patrolling officers, bravely facing reprimands and confiscations of their kites, and making new ones when required. Authorities have implored the public to avoid dangerous activities, such as kite-flying, as it can disrupt air traffic and cause safety hazards. For instance, a helicopter crash occurred in Bali in July 2024 after kite strings entangled the aircraft, and in July 2020, foreign objects from kites were found in the engine of a plane at Soekarno-Hatta Airport, raising safety concerns. The task of curbing this pastime is proving difficult for authorities as kite-flying is deeply ingrained in Indonesian culture. Despite warnings, the kite-flying community at the paddy field remains vibrant, and children are hard-pressed to find other places for their hobby due to Jakarta’s rapid urban development and loss of green spaces.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czr67rlxex6o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss