Kite fliers near airport under fire

Flying a kite near the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang regency could one day get you in big trouble: up to three months in jail or a maximum fine of Rp 5 million (US$588).

Responding to complaints from airport operator PT Angkasa Pura II over the residents' pastime, the Tangerang administration has submitted a draft bylaw banning kite-flying near the airport.

PT Angkasa Pura II officials say a number of airlines have complained that kites could sucked into jet engines, posing a risk to the safety of flights.

Under the proposed bylaw, it would be illegal to fly a kite within a radius of 18 kilometers of the airport and at a height of between 100 feet and 300 feet.

Tangerang Mayor Wahidin Halim said deliberation of the draft bylaw had begun.

"Upon passage of the bylaw, people will no longer be able to fly kites in the vicinity of the international airport," the mayor was quoted by Antara news agency as saying.

The mayor is convinced the bylaw would effectively put a stop to kite-flying near the airport. -- JP