Anti-Drone Task Force Begins Deployment at Bukit 360 Mandalika

Mataram (ANTARA) – The Anti-Drone Task Force began deploying on Thursday from Bukit 360 Mandalika to prevent unauthorised drones from flying in the area of the Mandalika Circuit in Central Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara.

West Nusa Tenggara Police public relations chief Senior Commissioner Mohammad Kholid said in Mataram on Thursday that the task force comprises personnel from the Indonesian National Police’s Mobile Brigade Corps headquarters.

“They have been placed on standby to anticipate unauthorised drone activity entering the circuit during the 2026 MotoGP,” he said.

He said the aerial security operation was part of the police’s efforts to protect the safety of riders, officials, spectators and everyone else at the circuit.

Commissioner Kholid explained that the task force has two enforcement methods. The first is jamming technology, which can disrupt a drone’s GPS signal and communication frequencies.

The other method is return to home (RTH), which forces a drone to return to its launch point.

“So, if a drone is found disrupting the security zone, officers can jam its signal, force it back to its launch point, or carry out a forced landing in a safe location,” he said.

He urged the public not to fly drones indiscriminately around the Mandalika Circuit while the international race takes place from 9 to 11 October 2026.

“We remind the public and visitors not to fly drones without permission. Please follow officers’ instructions so that the MotoGP can be held safely, orderly and comfortably,” he said.