The Ultimate Guide to Bringing & Flying a Drone in Bali, Indonesia (2021 update)

This Is All About Bringing and Flying Drones In Bali! Yup.

[Updated on January 19th, 2021] ???????????? Planning on making amazing videos with your drone in Bali?
Do you want to know how to bring or fly your drone in Indonesia?

Can you actually bring a drone to Bali? What are the drone permits in Indonesia? What are the other droner laws?

Well, this guide is about one thing and one thing only – Drones in Bali (and Indonesia).
We wrote it a few months ago and just updated it with a bunch of new information for 2019.

These mesmerizing 4-legged flying robots have been taking the world by storm throughout the last few years!

So we thought it’s about time to give you the full rundown on everything you need to know about flying drones in Bali or anywhere in Indonesia.

At Baliprod, drone videography is definitely part of our everyday business but although we are the pros, there is always more to learn about rules and regulations for our airborne friends. So don’t think we did all this research JUST for you :-)

Bali is overflowing with incredible locations to shoot incredible videos with your drone. There is no shortage of jaw-dropping footage you’ll have for your post-vacation video.

This guide will teach you everything you need to know about laws and regulations affecting drone use in Indonesia.

Ready? Ok, let’s dive in!

Before we start, we’d love to share with you all the photo and video campaigns Baliprod did with DJI.

Or if you want to see what’s happening behind the scene, check out this video on our youtube channel.

Also, if you need some inspiration for crazy places to drone, check out those 57 Incredible Locations in Indonesia that Just Look Like Other Countries

It’s important for you to know what type (category) of drone you are using and what limitations it has.
There are two types of drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV):

• CATEGORY 1: Used for hobby or other recreational use such as entertainment or sport.
• CATEGORY 2: Used for TV news, movie making etc.

Good thing first: You don’t need permission from the Ministry of Transport if you have a category 1 drone that weights less than 2 kilos and you are 18 years or older! That’s most of us.

If you’re category 1 but your drone weights between 2 – 25 kilos, you have to be at least 20 years old, not a threat to national security (haha!) and never been imprisoned (Hope so…)
Flying a drone over 2kg also requires a permit from the General Director of the Department of Civil Aviation. You have to carry emergency equipment such as a fire extinguisher with you.

You are also in charge of reporting accidents, not going closer than 50 meters of third parties and have valid insurance.

Drones in category 2 do need permission to operate in Indonesia. To put it in simple terms, you have to follow the same rules as a category 1 drone which weighs more than 2 kilos plus carry a license and insurance papers with you.

Coming to Bali for holidays with a drone in your luggage? Indonesia, as any other country, has its own specific rules about how to properly travel with your drone. These rules may also become more strict based on the airline you are flying with.

Now grab out a pen and paper and take some notes!

How do I bring my drone on a plane to Bali?

When it comes to traveling by plane, the problem with taking your drone on a plane is actually not the drone itself but the batteries. After several issues with lithium batteries on planes and the danger of causing a fire on board, airlines came up with specific regulations.

1. How to carry lithium batteries by plane to Indonesia?

While flying through the sky in a big, metal bird, you should carry rechargeable lithium-ion batteries IN YOUR CARRY-ON LUGGAGE ONLY.
If you decide to check in your drone, make sure to REMOVE THE BATTERIES and TAKE THEM WITH YOU.

Why?

Because lithium batteries are known to explode or catch fire by themselves.

How do I bring my drone on a plane to Bali?

When it comes to traveling by plane, the problem with taking your drone on a plane is actually not the drone itself but <u>the batteries</u>. After several issues with lithium batteries on planes and the danger of causing a fire on board, airlines came up with specific regulations.

1. How to carry lithium batteries by plane to Indonesia?

While flying through the sky in a big, metal bird, you should carry rechargeable lithium-ion batteries IN YOUR CARRY-ON LUGGAGE ONLY.
If you decide to check in your drone, make sure to REMOVE THE BATTERIES and TAKE THEM WITH YOU.

Why?

Because lithium batteries are known to explode or catch fire by themselves.

2. What are the regulations of my airline when flying to Indonesia? (with some specific examples)

As every airline has different policies regarding batteries, it’s important to check with your airline for their specific rules.
Below are some examples – but keep in mind that they can be updated so better do your homework:

Qatar Airways: Qatar Airways regulations depends on the watt-Hour rating for rechargeable batteries or the lithium content (LC) for non-rechargeable batteries. You can find clear rulings on their website.

Air France-KLM: Air France-KLM doesn’t allow more than 2 spare batteries per person. Watch out for this strict rule when carrying your batteries in your carry-on luggage. The airline advises not to carry damaged batteries with you, as in this case, the danger of fire is even higher.
Check the specific regulations here.

AirAsia: AirAsia released a statement saying that you’re not allowed to carry lithium powered transportation services in your carry-on or checked luggage. However, please get in contact with the airline to discuss your personal case or check their website.

Garuda Indonesia: Garuda Indonesia has declared lithium powered transportation devices such as mini segways, etc.. prohibited on planes. Please get in touch with the airline for further information. Info here.

Emirates: Emirates is more specific about their rules for carrying your drone batteries. Check out their dangerous goods and restricted items list first. You’ll see what battery sizes are allowed in your carry-on luggage.

Can I fly a drone in Bali?

So, you made it to Bali with your drone and batteries? Time to celebrate!
Before we get too excited, let’s brush up on the laws and rules to flying your drone in the wonderful country of Indonesia.

First and foremost:
Indonesia has gained its fame in part by the wonderful culture and sights that comes from its multiple religions across the country. Mosques and Temples are holy places that everyone needs to respect. So please don’t fly your drone over or too close to a temple or mosque and don’t disturb local ceremonies unless you have official approval.

Now on the more formal side of things, the goverment of Indonesia released new regulations for flying drones as they noticed the increase in usage.
The Ministry of Transportation Regulation No.180 / 2015 (in Bahasa) goes over in detail regarding the control operation regulations of unmanned aircraft vehicle (UAV) in Indonesian air space“.

Forbidden Areas:

There are certain areas where you can’t operate your drone without permission from the Director General of Air Transportation (DGTA).

• Prohibited Areas – Areas that are entirely closed for aviation activities of any kind (usually government offices, police stations or military bases)
• Restricted Areas – Areas that may be open for civil aviation but restricted for government use
• Areas close to airports in order to secure flight safety.
• Controlled airspace where control services for air traffic is provided
• Airspace 150 meter above ground level that is not controlled

If you want to use your drone closer than 500 meters from restricted or forbidden areas, you need to apply for a permit from the DGTA.

We also recommend NOT to do the following (ready for a laugh?):

• Do not operate your drone under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Do not operate more than one drone at a time (love that one)
• Do not fly the drone close to an aircraft (see below!)
• Do not fly your drone directly above a person who’s not related to the operation
• Do not exceed 87 knots or 161km/h airspeed
• Do not fly over temples without proper permit

What we DO recommend you to do before the flight:

• Check your drone and remote control for any damage and make sure it’s in a good condition
• Check the area you’re planning to fly in (are you allowed to fly your drone, find suitable place for take-off and landing, observe your surrounding for any air traffic or hazards)
• Have an emergency plan in case of an accident
• Make sure just to fly your drone between sunrise and sunset when you have good visibility

What we DO recommend during your flight:

• Avoid flying into or near clouds
• Don’t operate your drone higher than 150 meters from the ground
• Make sure you are able to see your drone at all times, do not rely on your monitor or other devices
• Respect the privacy of others
• Keep a distance of at least 30 meters from people, buildings, vehicles, etc…

Drone communities, drone rental and drone shops in Bali

Bali drone community

Yes you can find other drone lovers in Bali! Get together, fly your drone, talk about new techniques and best spots to go. Share your love for everything around you hobby and have a few Bintangs! (after flying that is)

Check Bali Drone Club (our group, in english) on Facebook as well as the new Drone Bali Club (in bahasa – very similar name to our group, good people too) and of course Bali Drone Community (in bahasa) to connect to other creative people on the island, ask questions, share your best footage and meet.
You’ll find a lot of information about drone shops and repair places in Bali as well. Engage with the community. Great people out there ❤️

Where to rent a drone in Bali

Bali Film Gear Rental is Baliprod’s sister company and specialised in renting film gear for any kind of shoots. We have a few drones for rent also.
As we love DJI drones, we only have those. From DJI Mavic 1 to DJI Inspire 2 x7

Feel free to check out our drones for rent drones for rent
We also offer amazing drone pilots for hire.

Let us know how we can help!

Baliprod’s favourite drone (and Apple gear) supplier

At Baliprod, we buy all our Apple stuff & DJI drones from our good friend and long time supplier Ibham Brahmantyo (here are his facebook and his whatsapp for direct contact).
Very serious, great prices, delivers anything anywhere within a few hours which is a huge plus. If you contact him, tell him you come from Baliprod, you might get a discount ;-)

Disclaimer: we don’t profit from sending you guys to Ibham (=referral), we just like the guy and use him all the time.

Other drone shops in Bali

Ok so here is a list of drone shops. We haven’t tested them all so it’s really up to you to pick one.

DJI Online Store
The most obvious one. There are no official DJI stores in Bali however purchasing your drone or accessories online works absolutely fine like in any country.

Note that:
– Below USD1500, piece of cake, nothing to do. Shipment fees (DHL) and local taxes are included.
– Above USD1500, still no taxes or shipment fee however there are a bunch of paperwork to take care of.

DJI website says: “As per Indonesian customs regulations, shipments with a customs value greater than $1500 will be processed under formal clearance. The customer will be required to provide a Tax ID No., Import ID No., Customs Registration No., and Power of Attorney information. Failure to provide these documents after 30 days will result in the shipment returning to its origin (RTO) or being abandoned.”

Jagojet
Jalan Patih Jelantik Blok PM 1 no.9, Kuta
+62 (0361) 472 7000

Wellcome Shop
Transmart Carrefour Lt. 2 Unit 19, Jalan Sunset Road, Denpasar
+62 (0361) 8477398

There might be more drone shops out there. Again, at Baliprod, we only use our long time supplier Ibham for anything drone related (see previous paragraph)

Drone repair shops in Bali

Balicopter
Jalan Padang Tawang No.40 Canggu
+62 819 1657 8918

DJI Repair Bali (Home Solutions Bld.)
Jalan Sunset Road no. 12, Legian, Kuta
+62 818 880 361

Whooop the end!

We hope we were able to help you see clearer in the jungle of laws and regulations so you don’t get lost on your journey.

Now that you are the master of drone operating 101 in Indonesia, enjoy the beautiful nature and culture of Bali and take as many shots as you can! Use common sense, have fun and fly safe through paradise.

Share your experience in the comments below and feel free to ask if you have any questions!