IDNEWSNOW.COM, Jakarta – The local administration of Pekalongan in Central Java has partnered with the Sedulur community and Airnav Indonesia to persuade locals people against releasing hot air balloons in this year’s Syawalan, which is a local tradition of releasing hot air balloons the week after Eid al-Fitr.
Pekalongan Mayor Afzan Arslan Djunaid has also issued a circular banning the tradition, which has presented an aviation safety risk every year. Especially this year, as the COVID-19 pandemic has yet to show any significant signs of ending, the crowds that gather in such an event will pose a health risk.
“Even though the air travel traffic has significantly dropped, that is not a reason to justify wildly releasing balloons to the sky,” said the mayor to Antara News on May 7.
Although this year’s event, which was facilitated by Airnav Indonesia, has been cancelled, the Pekalongan administration conveyed appreciation and gratitude towards Airnav that continued to accommodate the creativity of the local communities.
He warned that those caught releasing air balloons to the sky this year would face criminal charges with maximum penalties of up to two years’ imprisonment and fines up to Rp500 million.
Read: Govt Allows Local Tourist Attractions to Open during Eid Holidays
ANTARA
