Accompanied by Police, 'Flying Farmer' Boss Apologises for Drone Stunt
The director of PT Bina Tani Makmur Jombang, Budianto, who owns the TikTok account that uploaded a video of a farmer being transported by a drone, has issued a public apology. The 47-year-old made the statement at the Kabuh Police Station in Jombang, accompanied by a police officer and another individual. Budianto clarified that the video of the farmer being lifted by the large-capacity unmanned aircraft was not recorded in the Kabuh area of Jombang, East Java. He apologised for the public uproar the video caused and promised not to repeat the action, acknowledging it was dangerous.
A video showing a farmer being transported to and from plantation land by a drone went viral on social media after being posted on the TikTok account. The account owner later revealed the post was merely for fun. Budianto, the director of PT Bina Tani Makmur, emphasised that the primary function of the large agricultural drone is to transport fertiliser, seeds, and harvests. He explained the drone is used to spray liquid pesticides and fertiliser onto crops from a height, a method he considers effective and efficient, especially on difficult terrain. The drone, capable of lifting up to 150 kilogrammes, is also occasionally used to carry fertiliser and seeds by removing its water tank and attaching ropes.
Budianto further revealed the drone serves as a solution for engaging young farmers who are reluctant to manually transport manure. He noted that younger workers refuse to handle manure directly even for high wages, so the drone allows them to participate in the work without touching the waste, leaving the handling to older, more accustomed workers. He reiterated that the incident of a person being flown by the drone was purely for content and not a standard practice, admitting such transport of people is not permitted. The stunt originated from his personal curiosity to test the drone’s lifting strength, and he confirmed only a small number of workers participated for entertainment. He assured that the drone will continue to be used for its intended purpose of distributing fertiliser, seeds, and harvests.