Are you considering visiting Bali? Maybe you're thinking of using a drone to capture those incredible moments and stunning vistas. Can you bring a drone to Bali? What are the requirements for obtaining a drone permit in Indonesia? What are the drone rules in Indonesia that you should be aware of?
So, to answer your question(s): Yes, you are allowed to bring your drone to Bali and Indonesia.
But, you have to follow the rules and requirements.
These incredible flying robots have taken the world by storm in recent years! So we decided it was about time to give you the entire scoop on all you need to know about flying drones in Bali or elsewhere in Indonesia.
We wrote this a few years ago and have updated it in July 2021 with several new facts and rules. Drone videography plays a significant role in our daily operations here at Balishoot. Although we are experts, there is always more to learn about the rules and regulations that apply to our flying companions.
Bali is brimming with magnificent settings for captivating drone footage. You'll have enough jaw-dropping footage for your trip film. This tutorial will teach you all you need to know about Indonesian rules and regulations governing drone use. Here are a few "must-knows" for bringing or flying a drone in Indonesia.
Copyright Baliprod - Wonderful Indonesia Campaign
Before we start, we’d love to share with you all the photo and video campaigns Baliprod did with DJI.
Or if you want to see what’s happening behind the scenes, check out this video on our youtube channel.
Also, if you need some inspiration for crazy places to drone, check out those 57 Incredible Locations in Indonesia that Just Look Like Other Countries
It’s important for you to know what type (category) of drone you are using and what limitations it has. There are two types of drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV):
The maximum weight allowed for drones is 2 kilos.
This means flying a drone over 2 kilos within Indonesian airspace requires a permit from the General Director of the Department of Civil Aviation. You have to carry emergency equipment such as a fire extinguisher with you. You are also in charge of reporting accidents, not going closer than 50 meters of third parties, and have valid insurance.
Drones in Category 2 require permission to operate in Indonesia. To put it in simple terms, you have to follow the same rules as a Category 1 drone which weighs more than 2 kilos plus carries a license and insurance papers with you.
In short: You don’t need permission from the Ministry of Transport if you have a Category 1 drone that weighs less than 2 kilos and you are 18 years or older! However, if your drone is included within Category 1 but weighs between 2 – 25 kilos, you have to be at least 20 years old, not a threat to national security (haha!), and never been imprisoned (hope so…)
FPV drones have become one of the fastest-growing categories of RC flying due to the unique experience they give, the immersive perspective, and access to really exhilarating activities such as drone racing. It also doesn't hurt that getting started with FPV flying is quite simple. All you need is a video-capable drone and a receiver capable of displaying it in real-time, either a monitor or video goggles. Once you've set up your FPV system, you may utilize your FPV drone for a variety of purposes, including aerial photography and cinematography, entertainment, racing, and more.
Copyright Baliprod - Wonderful Indonesia Campaign
FPV drones fall under the same umbrella of conventional drones. What sets them apart is unlike traditional drone flying, where the pilot operates the drone from the ground perspective, FPV pilots use the live video transmission from the drone’s camera. That video is transmitted from the drone to a compatible ground receiver and display—either a monitor or video goggles.
The answer is, yes, you’re allowed to fly your FPV in Bali - as long as you stick to the rules mentioned above.
To get the permits (for the drones only) you will need to contact the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil aviation, called also DGTA) or AirNav to make a request for your flights. For this, you will need :
Send your documents to :
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation
Airnav
Ministry of Transportation
Airspace Regulation
Worldwide drone laws
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When it comes to flying, the issue with bringing your drone on a plane is not the drone itself, but rather the batteries. Following many incidents involving lithium batteries on flights and the risk of a fire onboard, airlines established specific regulations.
For all Visa and Travel requirements go check out our sister brand Legal Legends Indonesia.
Because each airline has various regulations about batteries, it is important to verify with your airline for their unique requirements. Here are some examples – but bear in mind that they are subject to change, so do your research:
AirAsia: If its batteries are removable, they must be removed and carried as or in the cabin baggage.
Garuda Indonesia: Garuda Indonesia has declared lithium-powered transportation devices such as mini Segways, etc.. prohibited on planes. Please get in touch with the airline for further information. Info here.
Emirates: Emirates is more specific about its rules for carrying your drone batteries. Check out their dangerous goods and restricted items list first. You’ll see what battery sizes are allowed in your carry-on luggage.
Citilink: The airline has declared lithium batteries as dangerous and thus prohibited on planes. To get further information, click this link for more details.
Batik Air: Batik Air prohibits lithium batteries on all aircraft, as they fall under the dangerous articles section of their rules.
Singapore Airline: Singapore Airlines prohibits lithium batteries on all aircraft, in accordance with their guidance.
Lion Air: Non-removable lithium batteries exceeding -0.3 g or 2.7 Wh are forbidden. For further information, check this link.
Turkish Air: Lithium batteries can be carried as checked baggage according to the airlines’ rules. Click here for further information.
The website app.airmap.io displayed all of the restricted and banned zones. It might be a useful tool if you are unsure whether you are in a restricted area. Bali is highly drone friendly, so if you want to fly in a purple region (see below), simply follow the restrictions stated above and everything will be OK.
purple = restricted airspace
orange = airport airspace
Yes, you can find other drone lovers in Bali! Get together, fly your drone, talk about new techniques and the best spots to go. Share your love for everything around your hobby and have a few Bintangs! (after flying, that is!)
Check Bali Drone Club (our group, in English) on Facebook as well as the new Drone Bali Club (in Indonesian – very similar name to our group, good people too) and of course Bali Drone Community (in Indonesian) to connect to other creative people on the island, ask questions, share your best footage and meet. You’ll find a lot of information about drone shops and repair places in Bali as well. Don’t be shy and engage with the community!
Here is a list of drone shops. We haven’t tested them all so it’s really up to you to pick one.
DJI Online Store
The most obvious one. There are no official DJI stores in Bali however purchasing your drone or accessories online works fine like in any country.
Note that:
DJI website says: “As per Indonesian customs regulations, shipments with a customs value greater than $1500 will be processed under formal clearance. The customer will be required to provide a Tax ID No., Import ID No., Customs Registration No., and Power of Attorney information. Failure to provide these documents after 30 days will result in the shipment returning to its origin (RTO) or being abandoned.”
Tutbayur Store Denpasar
Jl. Pulau Salawati No.44, Dauh Puri Kauh, Denpasar
+62 859-3835-5388
Digital 3 Store
Jl. Imam Bonjol No.500, Pemecutan Klod, West Denpasar
+62 812-3788-3378
There might be more drone shops out there. Again, at Balishoot, we only use our long-time supplier Ibham for anything drone-related.
Balicopter
Jalan Padang Tawang No.40 Canggu
+62 819 1657 8918
DJI Repair Bali (Home Solutions Bld.)
Jalan Sunset Road no. 12, Legian, Kuta
+62 818 880 361
I’m a little confused with the comment near the drone map. “Bali is highly drone friendly, so if you want to fly in a purple region (see below), simply follow the restrictions stated above and everything will be OK.”
I thought restricted airspace is classified as in one of the forbidden areas to fly in? Or, do you mean it’s okay as long as it’s a recreational flight?
A very insightful and much needed post indeed for everyone who’s a content creator. Thank you!
Thanks Akmal. Glad you enjoyed it.
Really interesting information
Thanks Gawain.
Not a lot of people know that bringing a drone battery on a flight isn’t allowed. Such an interesting blog!
Absolutely. We get a lot of emails about this and thought maybe better to make a post with all the details on laws.
This article is super duper details, rich of informations. It’s really helpful for the Drone Pilot or the beginners. Thank you!
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