At a paddy field just two kilometers from Jakarta's bustling international airport, a vibrant clash is happening between the fluttering kites crafted by children and the roar of approaching aircraft. While kids gleefully tug at their kite strings, they are equally vigilant, keeping an eye out for airport officials who may confiscate their beloved kites.
Little Atif, only seven years old, reflects on this struggle: "In the past, I would run from officers... but now I'm braver." Despite the risks of losing their kites, the kids' determination remains unyielding.
Kite-flying is more than just a pastime in Indonesia; it’s a cherished cultural tradition, especially prevalent during summer breaks. Yet, the government has flagged serious concerns about safety, noting kites can interfere with aircraft, risking both the kids' fun and flight safety. In three days earlier this July, 21 flights were disrupted at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport due to kites, with some planes needing to divert or abort landings!
These concerns stem from real incidents, including a helicopter crash in Bali last year caused by kite strings, and a 2020 event where a kite's debris found its way into an airplane engine. Because of this, transportation officials are urging the local communities to better manage kite-flying activities.
While some kids have been encouraged to take up other sports, kite-flying remains an integral part of their upbringing. “Different regions of Indonesia have their own kite traditions," states Asep Irawan from the Indonesia Kite Museum. However, the challenge is finding safe spaces for the kids to pursue their love for kites. Urbanization in Jakarta has diminished green spaces by 31% since 2000, leaving fewer options for safe kite-flying.
Consequently, despite warnings of potential jail time or hefty fines for flying kites near the airport, children persist. The excitement of competition and the simple joy of flight often outweigh fears of authorities. “There’s nowhere else to go,” Rasha, a 17-year-old kite enthusiast, voices the sentiment shared by many kids facing the ongoing tug-of-war with the planes overhead.
