TEMPO.CO, Lombok - West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Regional Police managed to take down 18 drones flying above the Mandalika Circuit ahead of the 2022 MotoGP which is slated to be held on March 18-20.

The NTB Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Artanto said on Thursday, March 17, that the police launched a jamming system or breaking the communications connection between the uncrewed aircraft systems and its operators.

The action was conducted by the drone personnel from the National Police and Regional Police who were on standby on the hills around the circuit since Wednesday, March 16.

The NTB Police have disseminated the prohibition of flying drones in the circuit area since the World Superbike or WSBK event last November.

“Flying drones in the circuit area are banned because they can interfere with the race and marine equipment that requires a signal,” said Artanto at the media center of the Mandalika Circuit. “The drone team will continue to be on standby to monitor drones approaching the circuit area.”

Artanto emphasized that the police would keep securing the MotoGP Mandalika. “We are still conducting preventive education. We take down the drone by using a jammer device and return it to the owner while reminding them not to fly the drone again around the circuit.”

However, he added that police could impose sanctions on the drone owners if they cause harm to others.

Read: Airnav Indonesia Bars Drone from Operating in Mandalika Circuit

ABDUL LATIEF APRIAMAN