Drones are actually not new. However, in recent years, the number of drone users is increasing and even increasing. The word ‘drone’ can actually be described by unmanned aerial vehicles. If the resolution is issued, then the first drone that ever existed appeared in 1839 when Austria attacked the City of Venice.

Do not imagine like the drone used today. Drones used by Austria today are still in the form of blimps that contains explosives. Technology also develops. The first uncrewed aircraft to fly in the world, Rusto Proctor Aerial Target, successfully flew in 1916. With the success of the uncrewed aircraft designed by Nikola Tesla, drones continue to be developed in various parts of the world.

Drones are designed to be made for military purposes. However, along with its development, drones began to be used for other industries, such as agriculture, shipping, to photography. How is the use of drones in Indonesia? Let’s see from the survey Licorice!

Survey period: February 15, 2020 – August 14, 2020

Respondents: 500 Indonesian men and women aged between 10-59 years old

Based on the survey, it turns out there is still 63.4 percent of Indonesians who have never flown a drone. In fact, drones have begun to be developed by PT Dirgantara Indonesia (DI), the National Electronic Institute (LEN), the Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT), and the National Aeronautics and Space Institute (LAPAN) in 2000.

Indeed, along with technological developments, drones can be owned by the wider community. Drones are usually used for photography because they can be equipped with a camera. In fact, the latest drone is equipped with a chip that can send images from the drone to a smartphone.

The history of drones has changed. From military equipment to electronic devices that civil society can use. Drone prices in Indonesia also vary. Starting from Rp 900,000 or equivalent to 57 USD to more than Rp 100,000,000 or around 6,363 USD. Even crazier, some mini drones are sold for less than IDR 200,000 or 12.7 USD! Of course, the more expensive, the better the quality and sophistication.

Why are there so many Indonesians who have never flown a drone?

Even though the price of the drone is cheap, there must be a permitted to fly the drone in Indonesia. In the Minister of Transportation Regulation No. 90 of 2015 issued on May 12, 2015, written activities to fly drones for the purpose of shooting, making films, and mapping must attach permission from institutions and local governments whose territories will be photographed, filmed or mapped.

In addition, in areas of uncontrolled airspace, drones may not fly more than 150 meters from ground level. If there is a need to fly higher, official certification from the Director-General of Civil Aviation at the Indonesian Ministry of Transportation is required.

In addition, there are some restricted areas for flying drones. For example in the Presidential Palace, oil refineries, restricted areas, to military training centers. Drones are also prohibited from flying in airspace that is served by air traffic control or around airports.

With strict rules, it is natural that there are still many Indonesians who have never flown a drone. Usually, the people who fly drones in Indonesia are those who are professionally involved in photography and film. In addition, drones are also commonly used for journalistic purposes.