Is It Allowed to Fly Drone in Komodo National Park? Find Out Here!

Komodo National Park, renowned as the home of the giant Komodo dragons, has always been a dream destination for travelers looking to explore the natural beauty of Eastern Indonesia. Many visitors want to capture the blue sea panoramas, small islands, and unique flora and fauna in the area in different ways, including using drones. But the question is: is it allowed to fly drone in Komodo National Park? This article will answer that question in detail so you can prepare everything and ensure your trip remains safe and memorable.

Key Takeaways

• You are allowed to fly a drone in Komodo National Park, but only if you have an official SIMAKSI permit to ensure it is legal and safe.
• Make sure all documents are complete, including your ID, pilot and drone licenses, flight plan, and request letter.
• Permit applications are submitted through the official website, and the Drone Operation Fee is paid via the SIORA app.
• Avoid restricted areas such as Kalong Island, Loh Buaya Resort, Loh Liang Resort, and the Core Zone of Komodo National Park to protect wildlife and ensure your safety.
• Always follow proper drone usage ethics, and if in doubt, entrust aerial documentation to a professional team like Labuan Bajo Productions so your holiday moments remain safe and well-recorded.

Is It Allowed to Fly Drone in Komodo National Park?

Yes, it is allowed, but there are several important rules you must follow to keep your activity legal and safe. This is because Komodo National Park is a strictly protected conservation area, so all activities, including drone use, require official permission, known as SIMAKSI. In other words, this permit is not just a formality, it’s part of the effort to protect wildlife and preserve the ecosystem.

Besides the permit, you also need to consider safety factors. The terrain in Komodo National Park is quite varied, ranging from steep cliffs and dense forests to wide open waters, so your drone flight plan must be carefully calculated. Flying without proper preparation increases the risk of drone damage or disturbance to wildlife. Therefore, it’s important to understand the rules, adjust your flight altitude, and choose safe zones before activating your drone.

What Are the Requirements and Documents Needed to Fly a Drone in Komodo National Park?

Before flying a drone in Komodo National Park, it is important to prepare all the necessary documents. Having complete documentation not only ensures that your flight is legal but also helps maintain safety, security, and environmental conservation. Here are the documents you must prepare:

• SIMAKSI (Conservation Area Entry Permit)
  This main document ensures that every flight is conducted safely, does not damage the environment, and does not disturb wildlife. SIMAKSI applications are submitted through the official management website before drone activity begins, allowing you to obtain legal authorization.
• Drone Operation Fee
  Once the SIMAKSI is approved, you are required to pay this operational fee. The funds are used to support management, supervision, and environmental preservation in the conservation area.
• Identification
  An ID card (KTP) or passport is essential for verifying your identity as the applicant and helps the management monitor drone use in the field.
• Individual or Organizational Request Letter
  This document contains identity data and the purpose of drone use, which serves as the basis for the permit application.
• Flight Plan Copy
  Having a flight plan allows the management to assess safe routes, altitudes, and areas for your drone.
• Safety Assessment Recommendation Copy from LPPNI Denpasar Branch
  This recommendation ensures that the drone flight safety procedures have been reviewed and approved by an authorized institution.
• PUKTA Unit Registration Copy from the Directorate of Airworthiness and Aircraft Operations, Ministry of Transportation
  Every drone used must be officially registered to be legally recorded and monitored.
• PUKTA Pilot License Copy from the Directorate of Airworthiness and Aircraft Operations, Ministry of Transportation
  This license ensures the drone operator has the technical skills and competence to safely control the drone.
• Original and Copy of PUKTA Flight Permit from the Directorate of Air Navigation, Ministry of Transportation
  This permit is mandatory before you start flying a drone in the conservation area.
• PUKTA Accident Insurance Policy Copy
  This insurance policy provides protection in case of damage or accidents during drone operation.
• IDR 10,000 Stamp Duty
  Some official documents require a stamp duty as proof of authenticity and administrative legality.

Read more: Drone Regulations & Flight Permits in Labuan Bajo & Komodo National Park

How to Apply for Permission to Fly a Drone in Komodo National Park?

To fly a drone in Komodo National Park, the first step you need to take is to apply for SIMAKSI (Conservation Area Entry Permit). SIMAKSI is the main requirement because it ensures that every drone activity is conducted safely, does not damage the environment, and does not disturb wildlife. You can apply for this permit through the official Komodo National Park website at https://www.siora.id/Service/Simaksi.

Here’s a step-by-step guide you can follow:

• Access the Official Website and Create an Account
  Open the SIMAKSI website and create an account using an active email. This email will be used for verification and communication regarding your permit application.
• Select the Type of SIMAKSI
  When filling out the form, choose the “Special Permit (Videography/Drone)” option to match your drone usage purpose.
• Complete the Application Form
  Carefully fill in all required data, from your personal identity to detailed flight plans. Make sure all information matches the documents you have.
• Upload Supporting Documents
  Include documents such as your ID card or passport, drone pilot license, drone registration, and request letter. All of these documents are needed to facilitate the verification process by the park authorities.
• Submit the Form and Wait for Confirmation
  Once the form is complete, click “Submit.” It is recommended to apply at least 7 days before your trip, as the verification and evaluation process takes approximately 3 working days.

After submitting your application, the management will send a confirmation email:

• Approved: The email contains the official SIMAKSI permit details that you can use for drone flights.
• Rejected: The email explains the reason for rejection and provides instructions for correcting your data. If rejected, you need to reapply with accurate information.

Once the SIMAKSI is approved, the next step is to pay the Drone Operation Fee. This fee supports the management, supervision, and conservation of the area. Payment is made through the SIORA app, available on Google Play Store and App Store.

Here’s how to pay:

• Open the app and select the Komodo Reservation feature.
• Enter your visit details, including date, duration, and number of participants.
• Select the Drone Operation Fee ticket according to the number of drones used.
• Complete the vessel and passenger information accurately.
• Confirm and make the payment via the available virtual account.

After successful payment, you will receive a proof document from SIORA. This document must be shown to the officers before starting your drone flight, ensuring that your flight is legal and in accordance with the rules.

Where Are the Areas and Zones Where Drone Flying Is Prohibited in Komodo National Park?

Before flying a drone, it is important to know that not all areas in Komodo National Park are accessible. Some zones have special regulations to protect wildlife and preserve the environment, meaning drones are prohibited in these areas. Here are some areas you should avoid when flying a drone:

• Kalong Island (Rinca)
  This island is home to large flying foxes (Pteropus vampyrus), nocturnal mammals that rest during the day. Flying foxes are highly sensitive to loud noises and bright lights, including those from drones. Therefore, drones are not allowed to fly over the waters around Kalong Island to avoid disturbing these protected animals.
• Loh Buaya Resort (Rinca Island) and Loh Liang Resort (Komodo Island)
  These islands are habitats for various important bird species, ranging from yellow-crested cockatoos to birds of prey like eagles. Since drones share the same airspace as birds, drone flights can be perceived as a threat or competition by wildlife. For the safety of the birds and the preservation of their habitat, drones are prohibited in the areas of Loh Buaya and Loh Liang Resorts.
• Core Zone of Komodo National Park
  The core zone includes land areas that serve as the main habitat of the Komodo dragons. This area is highly sensitive and designated as the primary conservation zone. You are not allowed to enter this zone or fly drones above it, as it can disturb the natural behavior of Komodo dragons and pose risks to your own safety.

What Are the Ethics and Responsibilities of Drone Users in Komodo National Park?

Besides ensuring you have all the official permits, you also need to pay attention to ethics and responsibilities when using a drone. This is important to make your flight safe, comfortable, and non-disruptive to the environment and other visitors. Here are some guidelines you can follow:

• Avoid Disturbing Wildlife
  Make sure not to fly your drone too close to Komodo dragons or other animals. Drones that fly too near can cause stress to wildlife and interfere with their natural behavior.
• Respect the Privacy of Other Visitors
  When filming with a drone, always be mindful of other visitors. Capturing images without permission can disrupt their experience, so it’s important to respect everyone’s privacy.
• Follow Altitude Limits and Safe Zones
  Adhering to technical flight rules, such as maximum altitude and designated safe zones, not only ensures your drone is legal but also protects the safety of everyone nearby.
• Operate Your Drone Responsibly
  Avoid flying during bad weather or strong winds. Always monitor your drone to prevent it from getting lost or crashing in sensitive areas, ensuring both environmental safety and the security of your device.
• Consider Professional Documentation Services if Unsure
  If you feel unsure about your drone flying skills or the permit procedures, entrusting aerial photography to a professional team can be a wise choice. With Labuan Bajo Productions, you can still obtain high-quality photos and videos while ensuring the safety of wildlife, the environment, and your drone. This allows you to enjoy your vacation worry-free, while your valuable moments are professionally documented.

Read more: What Are the Labuan Bajo Trip Documentation Package Types? Find Out Here!

Capture Your Holiday Moments with a Drone Together with Labuan Bajo Productions!

So, is it allowed to fly drone in Komodo National Park? The answer is yes, but only if you comply with all regulations, complete the official documents, follow the SIMAKSI permit procedure, pay the Drone Operation Fee, and pay attention to restricted zones and drone usage ethics. In other words, drone flights in this area are legal and safe as long as all requirements are met. However, understanding all these rules and procedures can feel quite complex, especially if you want to focus on enjoying your holiday.

For this reason, you can entrust your holiday documentation to experienced local professionals. This way, your precious moments are captured in high quality without the hassle of handling permits or drone technicalities. One such team is Labuan Bajo Productions, a local documentation team experienced in filming within conservation areas. We not only ensure your photos and videos are of top quality but also comply with all drone usage regulations in Komodo National Park. With the support of a professional team, you can enjoy your holiday peacefully while every moment is recorded legally, safely, and professionally.

To capture your holiday in an easy and safe way, you can book our Labuan Bajo trip documentation package now and experience professional documentation from Labuan Bajo Productions while exploring Komodo National Park in Labuan Bajo.

FAQs About Flying Drones in Komodo National Park

Can all types of drones be flown in the conservation area?

Not all drones are allowed. The drone used must be registered and have an official PUKTA license. This ensures the drone is safe to fly and meets the safety standards set by the government.

What documents need to be prepared before applying for a drone permit?

You need to prepare SIMAKSI, Drone Operation Fee, personal identification, request letter, flight plan, safety assessment recommendation, PUKTA unit registration and pilot license, flight permit documents, accident insurance policy, and stamp duty. Having all these documents ensures your flight is safe and legally compliant.

How do I apply for SIMAKSI for a drone?

SIMAKSI applications are submitted through the official Komodo National Park website (https://www.siora.id/Service/Simaksi). You need to create an account, select the drone permit type, complete the form, upload supporting documents, and submit the application. The verification process usually takes about 3 working days, so make sure to apply at least 7 days before your trip.

How can I ensure the drone does not disturb wildlife while flying?

Make sure to maintain a safe altitude, stay away from sensitive habitats, and avoid loud noises. Following restricted zones and monitoring wildlife behavior during the flight are also crucial to protect the ecosystem.

Is using a professional documentation service safer than flying a drone yourself?

If you are inexperienced with drone flying, using a professional service like Labuan Bajo Productions is safer. The professional team understands the permit procedures, restricted zones, and proper flight techniques, allowing you to capture high-quality photos and videos without disturbing wildlife or the environment.