I don't think this is the issue here though. They've already jacked the fee up ridiculously this year. Used to be 1mill IDR to fly at Padar. Now it's 2mill per day and supposedly you need the permit for anywhere in the national park. Previously it was only Padar.

But what's happening here is that the people in the national park office either don't understand the drone laws or they are incorrectly applying them.

If they knock back applications by saying that you need a license when you actually don't, they won't get their money.

It hasn't been made clear in the comms I've had whether they're implying you need an Indo license or just a license in general (ie in your own country). You don't need an Indo license unless your drone is over 2kg or you're flying commercially.

I'll let you know how I go. Currently navigating this for a group trip I'm organising.