Kite fliers near airport under fire

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