Jakarta. The Security Team of the Attorney General's Office (AGO) in South Jakarta intercepted and downed a gray drone hovering over its office complex on Panglima Polim Street, Kebayoran Baru, on Wednesday.

Suspected of conducting surveillance, the drone was observed circling the office of the Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes and the Deputy Attorney General for Intelligence. Following its interception, the security team retrieved the drone for further investigation.

Ketut Sumedana, Head of the Legal Information Center at the AGO, said that the drone was operated by a community and controlled from the nearby Blok M area. Subsequent inquiries revealed no indication of espionage or surveillance on the AGO premises.

Before flying drones in Indonesia, owners should be aware of the regulations.

The government has implemented guidelines through Transportation Minister Regulation No. 47 of 2016, governing the Control of Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operation in Indonesian Airspace, and Government Regulation (PP) No. 4 of 2018, addressing the Security of Indonesian Airspace Territory.

Among the regulations, drones equipped with cameras are prohibited from operating within a 500-meter radius of restricted areas, including the Presidential Palace and other vital national sites. Additionally, flying drones within a 500-meter radius of military installations, airbases, and related areas is strictly prohibited.

To safeguard aviation safety, drones are restricted from flying near airports, particularly in controlled airspace managed by air traffic services and air defense units.

Individuals operating drones for purposes other than recreation must obtain official permits and certifications, especially for drones exceeding 25 kg.

Violating drone flight regulations may result in fines of up to Rp 5 billion ($308,000) and imprisonment ranging from 1 to 5 years.