LABUAN BAJO, – In a move to ensure both safety and the preservation of the delicate ecosystem, Hendrikus Rani Siga, Head of Komodo National Park, has clarified the regulations regarding drone usage within the park’s boundaries. Tourists wishing to fly drones in the stunning Komodo National Park must now secure a conservation area entry permit (Simaksi) in addition to paying the standard entrance fee.
This regulation isn’t unique to Komodo National Park. According to Siga, all National Parks throughout Indonesia require a Simaksi for specific activities within their conserved areas, and drone operation falls squarely under this requirement.
“Even if they have paid [the entrance fee], it doesn’t automatically grant them permission to fly their drones freely,” Hendrikus emphasized during a recent confirmation on Wednesday, July 29, 2025.
He outlined several critical reasons for requiring a Simaksi for drone flights within the conservation area. Primarily, the operation of drones is governed by the Ministry of Transportation, which mandates that special areas like National Parks require authorization from the relevant regional authorities.
“Komodo National Park is located within a commercial flight path, so specific terms and conditions apply to drone flights,” he asserted.
Furthermore, the Simaksi serves to verify that drone operators possess at least a basic level of certification and licensing, ensuring they operate their devices responsibly and mitigate potential risks.
The risks associated with unauthorized drone flights in conservation areas are significant. They range from disruption of the fragile ecosystem to potential accidents involving wildlife and park visitors.
Therefore, the restrictions extend beyond just fees, encompassing designated zones indicating where drone flights are permitted and prohibited.
“The Simaksi for drones is a standard operating procedure (SOP) that must be followed by visitors using drones in Komodo National Park. We’ve already displayed warnings on Siora advising visitors to obtain a Simaksi in addition to paying the entrance ticket,” he added.
This clarification follows a recent viral video showcasing a tourist who claimed he was prohibited from flying his drone on Padar Island, within Komodo National Park, despite having paid a reported Rp 2 million for a flight permit.
The video, posted by the Instagram user @harivalzayuka on Sunday, July 27, 2025, shows the tourist expressing his frustration at being barred from flying his drone by park rangers.
“But I couldn’t fly it. Why? Because I needed a Simaksi. So, the rules are, if you want to fly a drone here, it’s not that simple. It’s not just about paying Rp 2 million; you also have to take care of something called a Simaksi,” the tourist wrote in his post, highlighting the need for drone operators to comply with all regulations, not just payment of fees.