Indonesian Government Bans Samsung Galaxy Note 7 on Flights

Jakarta, InfoPublik – Indonesian Transportation Ministry’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation officially bans passengers to carry Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphone devices to the aircraft.

The ban is effective for passengers and crew. Bringing the device through carry on baggage, checked-in luggage, or cargo is also strictly prohibited.

This instruction is regulated in Transportation Ministry’s Director General of Civil Aviation Circular Letter No. SE.18/2016 which was signed by Director General of Civil Aviation, Suprasetyo dated  20 October 2016. 

“Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphone devices are potential to catch fire or explode,” said Suprasetyo.

The ban refers to the circular letter issued by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA-USA) No: 16-08 dated 14 October 2016 on Announcement of a Ban on All Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Smartphone Devices from Air Transportation in the United States," he explained, Tuesday, (10/25). 

Suprasetyo asserted that there is no tolerance for aviation safety and security. Anything that is potential to endanger aviation safety and security will be banned. 

The Director General of Civil Aviation Circular Letter has been delivered to related partiesincluding Airport Authority Office (OBU) head, Airport Operator Unit (UPBU) head, Domestic Airline Companies CEOs, Foreign Airline Company Representative Offices heads, Public Airport Entities (PT Angkasa Pura I and II) chiefs, and the Special Airport Operators heads. 

Furthermore, the circular letter copies were delivered to the Transportation Minister and Transportation Ministry’s Secretary General. 

Domestic and foreign airline companies are instructed to:
1.    Ask every passenger during the check-in process related to the ownership of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphone device;
2.    Prohibit passengers and aircraft crew to carry Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphone devices to the aircraft;
3.    Provide a deposit for Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphone devices at the check-in counters and provide receipts for the owners.
 

UPBU and Public and Special Airport Entities are instructed to:
1.    Inform every passenger not to bring the devieces through carry on baggage, checked-in luggage, or cargo;
2.    Ensure the passengers and crew not to carry any Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphone devices to the aircraft;
3.    Extract every Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphone devices found at the Security Check Point (SCP) and inform the owner to deposit the device to the Domestic of Foreign Airline Company;
4.    Follow up this prohibition by immediately arranging the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and technical instructions;
5.    Coordinate with the Samsung representatives or distributors in the area.

This instruction implementation and supervision will be conducted by the local Airport Authority. (Translator: Erik Limantara)