The Ministry of Transportation has said that the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), better known as drones, needs to be regulated considering its close connection with flight operational regulation.

“This is because of the high number of UAS, and there are a lot of operators who do not possess the adequate knowledge and understanding to operate them,” Transportation Development and Research Agency Head Umar Aris said at a webinar observed here on Friday.

The use of UAS or drones should be considered based on several aspects such as safety, security, air traffic, social economy, and regulation, he added.

Fulfilling these aspects is required to avoid the potential risk that comes with operating a drone, such as the threat of misuse in the drone’s operation, he elaborated.

He asserted that regulation will play an important role in ensuring drone operation that is safe and orderly.

In addition, wider dissemination of information to the public regarding the importance of such a regulation is necessary, he said.

“Much like how the use of air space has been dictated in the Transportation Minister’s Regulation No. 37 of 2020. Other regulations concerning UAS are also required, since drones should receive the same treatment as manned aircraft,” Aris explained.

The formulation of a comprehensive regulation model can hopefully lead to fully integrated drone operation and drive the development of Indonesia’s economic activities, he added.

“This should be accommodated along with the development of technology in the air transportation sector,” he affirmed.

In related news, PT Pertamina Hulu Energi (PHE), a subsidiary of state-run oil and gas company PT Pertamina, has announced a collaboration with PT Pelita Air Service for developing unmanned aerial vehicles for the purpose of oil and natural gas mining.

Source: Antara News