March 18, 2025 | 06:03 pm

TEMPO.CO, Semarang - Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi threatened criminal sanctions for unauthorized hot air balloons in his region, has long become a tradition across several regions duringthe Eid holiday season.
"I respect this tradition. But giving out warnings over illegal hot air balloons is simply not enough. There should be criminal sanctions for deterrent effect,” said Luthfi on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.
Unauthorized hot air balloons, which fly using heated air generated from a burner inside the balloon, pose safety risks. There are concerns that the hot air balloons may fall into flammable areas. Their presence also disrupts airplane flights.
The governor orders widespread information against the outlawed hot air balloons. These hot air balloons are usually flown untethered, making them hard to control. They are also often equipped with fireworks that are ignited and burn while in the air.
"Untethered hot air balloons are usually crowdfunded by local communities. They also fly them discreetly, usually in the fields. This is sometimes undetected," he said.
Based on records from the Airnav Branch in Semarang, there were 14 cases of illegal hot air balloon flights in 2024. The incidents were detected in the Kendal, Pekalongan, and Batang regencies.
Meanwhile, Luthfi does not have an issue with hot air balloon festivals. This is because the hot air balloon flights during the festivals are conducted under limited and supervised conditions.
Editor’s Choice: Pekalongan Bans Hot Air Balloon Festivity 'Syawalan'
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