Here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Indonesia:

• Indonesia has a maximum flying altitude of 150 meters (= 500 feet). If you wish to fly higher, you must obtain permission 14 working days before the scheduled flight. 
• Drone flights must be conducted within the pilot’s direct line of sight. Maximum horizontal distance and FPV: Drone flights must be undertaken in the pilot’s direct line of sight. 
• There is no requirement to purchase aviation liability insurance for your drone now. 
• Drones must have a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of no more than 7 kilograms. 
• Flights are permitted only in uncontrolled airspace. In addition, runways at airports must be at least 15 kilometres away from drone operations. 
• Other safe distances include avoiding crowds and staying away from densely populated areas. The distance between the ground and the clouds must be at least 150 meters (vertical) or 600 meters (horizontal) (horizontal). 
• Drones with cameras must maintain a minimum distance of 500 meters from prohibited or restricted areas. 
• Drones are permitted to operate in Indonesia only when the sun is visible. The law prohibits flights at night and in inclement weather. Minimum visibility of 4.8 kilometres is required. 
• You should be aware that if your drone is equipped with a camera, it may approach the land border up to a maximum distance of 500 meters. In addition, drones may not be operated from a moving vehicle except for vessels (boats, ships). 

Prohibited Areas

According to the Indonesian Ministry of Transportation, certain areas are entirely off-limits to drone flights (dubbed “Forbidden Areas”), including but not limited to: 

• Areas where flight activities are entirely prohibited (referred to as “Prohibited Areas”) 
• Areas that are entirely designated for government aviation but may occasionally be opened to civil aviation. 
• Fifteen kilometres from any aircraft runway and flights greater than 150 meters altitude. 
• Airspace that is controlled and where air traffic control, flight information, and alert services are provided. 
• If your drone is equipped with a camera, you must maintain an additional 500 m safety distance from prohibited flight areas.

Penalties

It will depend on the nature and severity of your infraction. The judges will also consider whether you committed the violation intentionally and/or for commercial gain. Failure to comply with local regulations may result in a fine of up to IDR 5,000,000 and up to three years in prison.