22 Hot Air Balloons from Pekalongan Released Illegally
As many as 22 large hot air balloons were still being released illegally from Pekalongan, Central Java, posing a considerable danger to aviation. The Tethered Hot Air Balloon Festival at the peak of Syawalan is expected to curb such illegal balloon releases.
Media Indonesia’s monitoring on Sunday (29/3), during the Tethered Hot Air Balloon Festival held as part of Syawalan centred at Hoegeng Field in Pekalongan City, revealed deep concerns. Dozens of hot air balloons were still found being released illegally, potentially disrupting and endangering flight activities.
In addition to the release of large illegal hot air balloons measuring up to tens of metres, police also confiscated hot air balloons hung with hundreds of firecrackers intended for illegal release. This is because such balloons are highly dangerous and threaten public safety, with several fatalities reported due to firecracker explosions in Pekalongan.
“Although the number has decreased compared to last year, dozens of hot air balloons are still being released illegally, which can disrupt and threaten aviation safety,” said Director of Safety, Security, and Standardisation at AirNav Indonesia, Capt Nurcahyo Utomo.
Based on data on illegal hot air balloon releases during this Eid period, Nurcahyo Utomo continued, there were 22 reports recorded. This is a decrease from 51 reports in the same period last year. This indicates an increasing public awareness not to release hot air balloons illegally.
Pekalongan Mayor Achmad Afzan Arslan Djunaid stated that various efforts have been made to prevent the long-standing illegal hot air balloon flights in Pekalongan, one of which is to hold the Tethered Hot Air Balloon Festival during Syawalan celebrations without diminishing the tradition.
According to Achmad Afzan Arslan Djunaid, the Tethered Hot Air Balloon Festival not only allows for the enjoyment of its beauty but is also safer than illegal balloon releases. Moreover, the number of participants and visitors to the festival increases each year, as the Pekalongan City Government also provides prizes for winners in the judging.
Meanwhile, regarding illegal hot air balloon releases, the Bojong Police Sector and Bojong Military District Command in Pekalongan Regency secured seven hot air balloons intended for release with hundreds of firecrackers attached. This is to anticipate accidents that could claim lives and property.
“We secured seven hot air balloons hung with hundreds of firecrackers intended for illegal release, as they pose a significant danger to human safety,” said Head of Bojong Police Sector, Ajun Commissioner Wastono.
According to Wastono, many accidents have occurred due to hot air balloons hung with firecrackers being released illegally, affecting residents’ homes, causing fires and severe damage, as well as claiming victims. “We are anticipating that, and we have seized hundreds of firecrackers of various sizes, including thunderclaps and casings,” he added.