Understanding Drone Product Licensing
Drone product licensing refers to the regulatory compliance process required before drone devices can be manufactured, imported, distributed, or legally marketed in Indonesia.
A drone or Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is an unmanned aircraft operated remotely using radio communication systems. Most modern drones are equipped with wireless technologies such as WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, and remote radio controllers to support navigation, communication, and device control.
Today, drones are widely used in various sectors including aerial photography, professional videography, mapping, agriculture, industrial inspections, security monitoring, logistics, and research activities.
In Indonesia, devices using radio communication technology are categorized as telecommunication equipment and must comply with national technical standards before distribution.
Telecommunication equipment certification is supervised by Direktorat Jenderal Sumber Daya dan Perangkat Pos dan Informatika under the authority of Kementerian Komunikasi dan Informatika Republik Indonesia.
Certification requirements are regulated under Peraturan Menteri Komunikasi dan Informatika Nomor 16 Tahun 2018 tentang Sertifikasi Alat dan/atau Perangkat Telekomunikasi, which requires all telecommunication equipment to meet Indonesian technical standards before entering the market.
Because drones use radio frequency communication systems for control and data transmission, obtaining Postel certification is mandatory before they can be legally marketed in Indonesia.
Regulations Governing Drones
Wireless communication devices in Indonesia are regulated to ensure efficient spectrum usage and prevent interference with other communication systems.
Several important regulations related to drone certification include:
- Peraturan Menteri Komunikasi dan Informatika Nomor 16 Tahun 2018 tentang Sertifikasi Alat dan/atau Perangkat Telekomunikasi
Regulates mandatory telecommunication equipment certification in Indonesia. - Peraturan Menteri Komunikasi dan Informatika Nomor 2 Tahun 2023 tentang Penggunaan Spektrum Frekuensi Radio Berdasarkan Izin Kelas
Regulates radio frequency spectrum usage for wireless communication devices. - Technical standards issued by Direktorat Jenderal Sumber Daya dan Perangkat Pos dan Informatika.
- Aviation operational regulations issued by Direktorat Jenderal Perhubungan Udara regarding airspace safety and drone operations.
These regulations ensure that drone devices are safe, compliant, and do not interfere with radio communication systems or aviation safety.
Functions of Drones
Drones support a wide range of industrial and commercial applications.
Some major functions of drones include:
- Aerial photography and videography
Used to capture high-quality aerial images and videos. - Mapping and land surveying
Supports mapping for construction, mining, plantations, and geographic analysis. - Security monitoring
Used for surveillance, project monitoring, and security operations. - Modern agriculture
Supports crop monitoring, agricultural mapping, and spraying operations. - Industrial inspections
Used for inspecting telecommunication towers, bridges, power lines, and infrastructure. - Research and education
Frequently used for research projects, educational purposes, and automation development.
Because drones rely on wireless communication systems, these devices must comply with Indonesian telecommunication standards.
Types of Drones Requiring Certification
Several types of drones using radio communication technology require certification before being marketed in Indonesia.
Examples include:
- Camera Drones
- FPV Drones
- Agriculture Drones
- Surveying Drones
- Commercial UAVs
- WiFi and GPS-enabled Drones
- Industrial Drones
- Wireless Remote-Controlled Drones
All of these devices use radio frequency communication and therefore require Postel certification.
Drone Certification Process in Indonesia
To obtain market approval in Indonesia, manufacturers or importers must complete the telecommunication equipment certification process.
1. Certification Document Preparation
Required documents commonly include:
a. certification application letter
b. company legal documents
c. drone technical specifications
d. product user manual
e. product photos and labeling information
f. manufacturer declaration of conformity
2. Laboratory Testing
Drone devices must undergo testing at accredited laboratories to verify compliance with Indonesian technical standards.
Testing generally includes:
- radio frequency testing
- wireless communication performance testing
- electromagnetic compatibility testing
- electrical safety testing
- controller signal stability testing
- WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity testing
3. Certification Submission through SDPPI
After laboratory testing is completed, the certification application is submitted through the SDPPI system together with official test reports and supporting documents.
4. Certificate Issuance
If all technical and regulatory requirements are fulfilled, Direktorat Jenderal Sumber Daya dan Perangkat Pos dan Informatika will issue a telecommunication equipment certificate allowing the drone device to be legally marketed in Indonesia.
Contact Us
Obtaining Drone Product Licensing requires a strong understanding of Indonesian telecommunication regulations, radio frequency standards, and certification procedures.
Biruni Consulting provides professional consulting services to assist companies in obtaining telecommunication equipment certification efficiently and in full regulatory compliance.
Our services include:
- Postel certification consultation
- preparation of technical documentation
- coordination with accredited testing laboratories
- certification submission assistance through SDPPI
- full support until certification approval is issued
Contact Biruni Consulting for professional assistance in obtaining telecommunication equipment certification in Indonesia
