Indonesia: Kites in the crosshairs as planes face peril
Such fears are not unfounded.In July 2024, a helicopter crashed in Bali after it got entangled in kite strings, injuring three Indonesians and two Australians on board.In July 2020, strings and bamboo sticks from a kite were found in the engine of a plane after it arrived at Soekarno-Hatta. While the plane had managed to land without mishap, the incident triggered serious safety concerns. The following month, the airport set up a task force to crack down on kite-flying near its premises.Five years on, the problem has persisted. In July, transport minister Dudy Purwagandhi urged airport authorities and regional governments across Indonesia to minimise the harm that kites are posing to flights."It's certainly a fun activity, but we also need to educate them to prevent the public or children from engaging in activities that could endanger flights," says Mr Putu. His colleagues have tried giving the kids footballs and badminton racquets to steer them towards other sports. But kite-flying is woven into the fabric of Indonesian culture. Traditionally made with leaves, colourful paper or cloth, kites are flown in Indonesia for various purposes: for rice harvest ceremonies, to chase birds away from crops or, in Bali, as a form of prayer and offering to the gods."Kite flying has been passed down through generations from our ancestors. Almost every region in Indonesia has a tradition of kite flying," says Asep Irawan, an expert from the Indonesia Kite Museum."However, we need to be cautious, especially [with] children. They just fly them. They don't see the potential danger."
Those caught flying kites, drones or other things that pose safety risks around airports may be jailed up to three years or fined one billion Indonesian rupiah ($61,000; £46,000).But it's not just on airstrips that kites can be dangerous. In densely populated areas, kites are also a deadly distraction. Last year, an eight-year-old boy died after venturing onto a toll road in Depok city, south of Jakarta. Police believe he was hit by a car while chasing a kite.In 2020, a man was arrested after his kite broke and fell onto a substation in Bali, causing hours of blackout in more than 70,000 houses and buildings.Back on the paddy field near Soekarno-Hatta Airport, the children say they don't mean to mess with the planes - but they are hard-pressed to find better places for their hobby.Jakarta lost 31% of its urban green spaces between 2000 and 2020, as fields and forests gave way to congested roads and apartment blocks. "There's nowhere else around here," says Rasha, a 17-year-old who makes and sells kites. "There's one other spot, but it's still close to the airport. There just aren't any other places to fly."The paddy field is now home to a community of kite enthusiasts, who organise regular kite-flying competitions. Rasha has won them twice.He has got into trouble before with the patrolling airport officials, who chided him and confiscated his kites."The police even came to our house and took two of my kites and burned them, strings and all. After that, my siblings scolded me and told me to stop. But recently, I started flying kites again," he says."It is pretty dangerous. But once your kites have been taken away, you stop being afraid."
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The Sun
12 hours ago
- The Sun
All the big mistakes to avoid at waterparks this summer – from simple slide accidents to forgotten ‘rules'
AS WE enter the school summer holidays and warm temperatures continue across the country, knowing how to keep your children safe when at a waterpark is super important. A family expert has warned parents about the common waterpark safety mistakes to make sure you don't get caught out by them. 6 Not crossing your legs on the waterslide Oliver Brendon, family travel expert and CEO of shared how crossing your legs on a waterslide is actually really important. He said: "It might sound like a playground joke, but wedgies on waterslides can actually cause minor injuries. "Children, and adults alike, can end up with painful grazes or cuts from not keeping their legs crossed properly on the way down." Essentially, the speed and pressure of the water can hurt you and leave you feeling uncomfortable for the rest of the day. "To avoid this, it only takes a few seconds to remind your child to cross their legs and hold that position, but it can make all the difference. "It's one of those things you laugh about later, but it's definitely worth preventing in the first place," he added. Don't skip a lost-child plan Taking your children to a waterpark can be a super thrilling day out. However, losing them can turn the day into a nightmare. "With so many people around and lots going on, it's surprisingly easy for children to become separated from their parents at a pool or waterpark," said Oliver. "To avoid it, I suggest families set a clear meeting point as soon as they arrive, somewhere easy to find and explain to kids. I went to France to visit the world's best waterpark "Tell your child that if they lose sight of you, they must go straight to that spot and stay there." This should help reduce panic in the situation, Oliver claims, and it can help provide a calm and simple solution. Don't delay the post-swim rinse A post-swim rinse might be a thing of habit, but did you know this is something you should actually always do? Oliver explained that any chlorine left on a child's skin can be really irritating, especially if your child has sensitive skin. "A quick rinse at the showers near the pool is all it takes to avoid this and it makes a big difference," Oliver explained. "It's a small step that can prevent itching and complaints later in the day." 6 Picking the wrong swimsuit colours There is a lot of research out there about the best colours for children to wear when swimming, but choosing the right colour can make a real impact. Whilst blue and green tend to blend into the water, bright colours like pink and yellow, stand out more clearly. Oliver commented: "As a parent, it gives you a bit of peace of mind knowing your child is easy to spot. "It also really helps lifeguards if they ever need to scan a crowded area." Not explaining water depth zones Different children means different swimming abilities and with this it is important your child understands the depths of the pool you are visiting. "What looks shallow to an adult can feel overwhelming to a child, especially if they're caught off guard," explained Oliver. "Before letting kids loose, I always recommend walking them around the pool or pointing out the depth markers. "Make it clear where the shallow and deeper areas are, and which zones are best for them. "A two-minute chat can stop a panicked moment before it happens." Assuming children remember how to swim from last year's swimming lessons Some parents assume that their kid still knows how to swim, when they actually had their lessons over a year ago. But in reality, children can forget and become less confident as more time passes where they haven't been swimming. Oliver recommended "At the start of a waterpark day, it's worth having a quick refresher in a quieter area, even just getting them to practice kicking or floating. "It boosts their confidence and gives you a better sense of what they can handle." 6 Forgetting suncream reapplication You might think the whole 'wear suncream' phrase has been drilled into your mind by now, but it remains crucial. Often people will start the day by applying suncream and then they will not reapply for the rest of the day. Oliver said: "Between the sun, water, and sweat, it wears off much quicker than people think. "I always advise parents to reapply every 90 minutes and after water rides, even if it says 'water-resistant' on the bottle. "It's a small effort that really pays off in preventing painful sunburn." Overlooking hydration Heading to a waterpark on a baking hot day may feel like the best way to cool down, but staying hydrated i s really important. Oliver warned: "Dehydration can creep up on kids fast, especially in the sun, and headaches and crankiness are early warning signs you need to watch out for." He also recommended carrying a refillable bottle for each child and making sure they take water breaks between each ride. 6 Not checking height and health restrictions If at a waterpark with numerous rides, it is important to remember there might be height and health restrictions. "Ride restrictions aren't just there to be annoying, they're truly designed to keep everyone safe," Oliver shared. "I've seen so many parents plead with ride attendants to let their child on something they're not quite ready for. "It's not worth the risk. Always check height and health rules in advance and manage expectations early on." He added that there are usually plenty of other attractions that are better suited and usually are just as fun. Not tying up long hair For children with long hair, remembering to tie it up can help keep them safe. Oliver warned how loose hair can cover a child's eyes in the water, making it hard for them to see. Or it could even get caught in features of the water park. "A simple ponytail, bun, or swim cap keeps things safer and more comfortable, and saves time untangling it all later," Oliver concluded. Top tips for flying with children FLYING with young children can be stressful, but preparation is key to making the journey easier. Before booking, consider using tools like Expert Flyer to gauge flight busyness, and choose your seats wisely. Bulkhead seats offer space and bassinet access for babies, while the back of the plane is convenient for changing facilities. When packing your carry-on, 'recreate home' by bringing familiar comfort items. A mix of new and old toys, wrapped for surprise, can keep kids entertained. Don't forget pyjamas and a spare change of clothes for accidents. Snacks are also essential. To encourage sleep, consider booking night flights and tiring kids out at the airport. Onboard, blankets can block light, and noise-cancelling headphones can help babies and toddlers with pressure changes. Lavender balm may also aid relaxation. Remember to pack dummies or bottles for babies to help with ear pressure during take-off and landing. Finally, don't hesitate to ask cabin crew for help. They can assist with entertaining children, provide essential supplies, and offer a much-needed break to parents. A Place in the Sun's Laura Hamilton has also revealed her free travel hack to settle small kids on planes. Plus, anyone with a child is urged to check outdated passport rule that could see you turned away from the airport. 6
The Sun
14 hours ago
- The Sun
21 freebies and discounts for parents this summer holiday including food and childcare
Scroll to see how to get free food if you qualify for free school meals CHILD'S PLAY 21 freebies and discounts for parents this summer holiday including food and childcare PARENTS can get thousands of pounds worth of free support to ease some of the cost pressures during the summer holidays. From free childcare hours to food vouchers, as well as summer clubs and extra benefits, there is plenty of help available. 1 Parents can get free food among other perks over the holidays Credit: Getty Images Here is a round-up of what you can get... 1. Free tennis Families can play tennis for free at tennis courts in London, Manchester, Glasgow and many other towns and cities across Britain thanks to Barclays Free Park Tennis. Find your nearest at Whatever your age or ability, Barclays Free Park Tennis is open to anyone looking to get started, improve their skills and enjoy free tennis. 2. Free football Kellogg's are also offering 30,000 free places at football camps across the UK. To secure their place, parents need buy a box of Kellogg's cereal and use the on-pack QR code to sign up. Head to to find a full list of over 150 camp locations. Parkplay is a nationwide scheme offering two hours of free community ball play Saturday mornings in a park or public space 3. Free exercise classes Nuffield Health offers free girls fitness classes run by expert instructors. Book at if you have a Nuffield gym near you. 4. Free run clubs Junior Parkruns are a series of 2km jogs held all over the country for ages four to 14. They are free to join and a great way to get kids moving. 5. Free clubs and food Families who receive free school meals can access the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme. This is offered by most councils in England to help provide childcare, activities and healthy meals to children from low-income families. It can be used to sign up children to sports, music and arts clubs, as well as enjoy a nutritious meal each day for free. The help on offer varies by council. For example, in some areas you could be offered holiday club places for the equivalent of at least four hours a day. Others may run a standard 8am-3pm day for free. Contact your local authority to see exactly what is available and how to apply. 6. Free food eating out A number of restaurants run 'kids eat free' schemes over the holidays including summer. The exact terms of each scheme varies and some are better value than others so check the small print. Often, you'll need to buy an adult meal of spend a certain amount. But it's a great way to save on enjoying a meal out with the family at venues including Ask Italian, Asda, Tesco, Bills and Bella Italia. 7. Free vouchers for healthy food The Healthy Start scheme supports pregnant people and families with young children to help them afford healthy groceries, including fruit, vegetables, and milk. The scheme is a weekly allowance of £4.25 for people over 10 weeks pregnant, £8.50 for the first year of a child's life, and £4.25 a week for children aged one to four. That's as much as £442 worth of essentials over the year for each child Eligibility is based on income levels and entitlement to means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit or: Child tax credits (only if your family's annual income is £16,190 or less) Income support Income-based jobseeker's allowance Pension credit (which includes the child addition) Universal Credit (only if your family's take-home pay is £408 or less per month from employment) For more information or to apply, visit 8. Free nappies Parents can get free nappies by signing up and testing nappies for Pampers. Head to the Pampers' website to sign up, you'll have to fill in your personal details, including your home address. Once you've registered, you can use your Pampers Squad membership and apply for all projects. If you regularly buy Pampers nappies, it's also worth joining its Pampers clubs where you'll get points for every pack you buy. These can then be traded in for free packs in future. 9. Free books Don't forget about your local library if you're looking for freebies to help entertain the kids over the summer. Of course, you don't keep the books but you can rent them for free giving you enough time to read and enjoy. Many libraries also put on weekly story time sessions for free or oter activties. 10. Free train travel Kids under 11 can travel for free across London using the TFL network including buses and tubes when travelling with a paying adult. And children under 5 can travel for free on most train services. Furthermore, if you're planning a day out and travelling by train you can get 2 for 1 tickets at a number of venues. 11. Free days out Lots of UK attractions offer big discounts or even free tickets to people who receive Universal Credit or other benefits. This means you can enjoy visits to some of the most famous historical landmarks, museums and zoos with your family this summer. We've compiled a list of some of the best spots. 12. Free trail walks Forestry England runs free trails, as well as summer activities in forests up and down the country. You can download a Wallace & Gromit themed walking trail or families can have a magical woodland adventure with Stick Man, the beloved character from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's popular book. The specially designed activity trails, running across 26 forests in England, invite young explorers to help Stick Man find his way back to the family tree. 13. Free museums There are plenty of free museums to visit across the UK, which is a great resource to tap into, especially when the weather isn't great. In London some of the top museums can be accessed without paying a penny including The National History Museum and The Science Museum. 14. £1 cinema tickets The whole family can head to the flicks as Cineworld brings back amazing family films for £1 per ticket. Running every week until the end of August, the films are family friendly so you can enjoy magical cinema moments together. 15. Free workshops A few retailers put on free workshops for kids over the holidays. Pets at Home runs activities where little ones can learn and meet small animals. See Garden centre chain Dobbies also runs its Little Seedlings Clubs with free workshops on a range of gardening topics suitable for children aged 4-10 years. See Ikea loyalty members can also book on to free workshops for children but these do tend to be popular so you'll need to move quick. Dates and events vary by store look up your neatest at John Lewis is another store that has free events for members, some of which can be suitable for kids. 16. Free farm visits You can visit farms across the country for cheap or free entry. Check out Swansea Community Farm, Bath City Farm, Heeley City Farm in Sheffield and Balsall City Farm in Birmingham, as well as different farms in London. 17. Free childcare Parents in England can get free childcare of up to 30 hours as week for children aged between nine months and four years old. However, this is limited to 38 weeks of the year to coincide with term times. But if you need childcare during the school holidays, you can often stretch out the help by taking fewer hours over more weeks. This means summer holidays costs won't come as such a shock. Ask your childcare provider about stretching out the help. Currently, the exact amount you can get depends on your child's age and circumstances, whether you're working and your income. If your child is nine months to two years old, you can get 15 hours per week of free childcare. Three to four-year-olds can get 30 hours per week for free. But from September this year, all eligible working parents of children aged nine months up to three years will be able to access 30 hours of free childcare a week. If you don't work, you might still be eligible for the same amount of free childcare if your partner is working and you're on carer's leave or if you get any of the following benefits: Incapacity Benefit Severe Disablement Allowance Carer's Allowance Limited Capability for Work Benefit Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance You can use a calculator on the gov website here to work out how much you can get. If you claim Universal Credit, you might be able to get help towards most of your child care costs. Parents claiming Universal Credit can now get up to £1,014.63 a month for one child and £1,739.37 for two or more kids. The money is used to cover up to 85 per cent of their childcare costs. 18. Tax-free childcare Working parents can get hep with childcare costs through tax-free childcare. This is often used to pay for nursery place or after-school clubs. But what you may not realise is that it can be used for a whole host of childcare providers, including those which runs during the school holidays. The government scheme gives £2 free for every £8 put into an account, which is then used to pay providers. Parents can get up to a maximum of £2,000 a year per child or £4,000 if their child is disabled. This can be a huge help in the cost of care, so it's worth looking specifically for childcare providers who accept payments from childcare accounts over the holidays. 19. Child tax credits You can make a claim for child tax credit if you already get working tax credit. The amount you could get depends on when your children were born. If you have two children born after April 6, 2017, you will get a child element worth £3,455 for each kid up to a maximum of two. If one child was born before then you could also get a basic amount called the family element worth up to £545 a year. To claim child tax credit, update your existing tax credit claim by reporting a change in your circumstances online or by phone. 20. Child benefit You can get Child Benefit worth up to £1,335 a year if you're responsible for bringing up a child who is under 16 or under 20 if they stay in education. Child benefit is usually paid every four weeks, but it can be paid weekly if you're a single parent or receiving certain other benefits, like income support. Make sure you're not missing out as it's welcome boost that doesn't stop over the holidays. You can apply for child benefit online by visiting Bear in mind that those who earn more than £60,000 a year have to start paying back some of their children's benefits through the high-income child benefit charge (HICBC). You have to pay back 1% of your child benefit for every £200 of income over this amount. If your income is between £60,000 and £80,000, the tax charge will be 1% of your child benefit for every £200 of income between £60,000 and £80,000. The charge will never be more than the amount of child benefit you receive. If you earn £80,000 or more you have to repay the full amount. 21. Free school uniform You may not be ready to think about back to school, but if you may be able to get help wit the cost of kitting out your kids thanks to the Household Support Fund (HSF). Grants to help with school uniform costs are offered by several councils across England, with up to £200 free cash available. For example, Medway Council, in South East England, is distributing school uniform vouchers to hard-up households worth £100. You receive £100 for every dependent school age child, per household per year, unless in exceptional circumstances. So, if you have two dependent children you can get £200. Contact your local council to see what exactly you can get
Reuters
16 hours ago
- Reuters
Dhaka like a local
Landing in Dhaka by air, looking down at the city from the plane window, your first impression is likely to be that you are arriving in a concrete jungle. The Bangladeshi capital is noisy and messy, and as the economic and political hub of a country of 180 million, it is a place where fortunes are made and ambitions converge. As local rock band Chirkut calls it in its popular number 'Jaadur Shohor,' it is also 'the city of magic.' I was born and raised in this city, and have spent the past 14 years reporting from here, most recently as a visual journalist for Reuters. In that time, I've seen it all — from the 2013 Rana Plaza collapse that killed over 1,100 garment factory workers to a recent student uprising that resulted in the ouster of the country's ruler of 15 years. Here's my guide on how to traverse this chaotic yet captivating metropolis like a local: Old Dhaka: Founded as the capital of Bengal by the Mughals in the early 1600s, Dhaka served as a provincial capital during British rule, then the administrative capital of East Pakistan, before finally becoming the capital of independent Bangladesh in 1971. The city has grown extensively since then, swallowing up many of the surrounding villages. The historic core of Puran Dhaka, or Old Dhaka, is a charismatic world of narrow alleys and crumbling buildings. A majority-Muslim country, Bangladesh is home to thousands of mosques, and Dhaka is often called 'the city of mosques.' Their minarets dominate the skyline, and five times a day the Islamic call to prayer echoes through the streets. Among the city's most significant mosques are the 19th-century Star Mosque (so named for its blue star motif), the vast national mosque Baitul Mukarram and the 18th-century Khan Mohammad Mridha Mosque. Getting around: Traffic in Dhaka is notoriously chaotic — the inevitable outcome of too many vehicles and too few road structures. Traffic lights are more suggestions than rules, and police direct traffic with a mixture of instinct and desperation. Footpaths are barely usable, packed with street vendors and shoppers, and crossing a street requires bravery. Jaywalking is often essential! While city buses are available, they are often overcrowded and uncomfortable. For short to medium distances, your best bet is the cycle rickshaw — ubiquitous, cheap and often dazzlingly decorated. Beware the speedy battery-powered ones, nicknamed "Desi Teslas,' for they can be fun, but risky. Alternatively, flag down a green-painted CNG (compressed natural gas-powered auto-rickshaw) — haggling is essential — or use ride-sharing apps like Uber or Pathao. The new Metro Rail system avoids road traffic entirely and is set to be a gamechanger once it is fully operational. What to see: One of the city's most vibrant areas is the Dhaka University campus – once dubbed the 'Oxford of the East.' It remains a bastion of secularism and youth politics, and is home to some of the city's rare green space. Look out for the Dhaka Gate, once the main entrance to the Mughal city, and still guarded by General Mir Jumla's rusty cannon. History buffs will also enjoy the nearby Bangladesh National Museum and the Shaheed Minar — a monument to those killed in 1952 as they protested the right for Bengali to be officially recognised as a language in East Pakistan. Other must-visit sights include the Sangsad Bhaban or National Parliament, designed by noted architect Louis Kahn, the Mughal-era Lalbagh Fort, and Ahsan Manzil, a pink palace by the Buriganga River. You can take a boat ride from the Sadarghat river port, though be warned: the water can be quite pungent. Ramna Park offers a rare moment of tranquillity, and the Armenian Church in Old Dhaka is a haunting relic of a forgotten community. Adventurous visitors should consider spending a night at Beauty Boarding, a colonial-era guesthouse once beloved by poets and writers. If sports are more your game, take in a cricket match at Mirpur Stadium. Tickets go for as little as 500BDT ($4). Retail therapy: Bangladesh is a paradise for bargain-hunters. As the world's second-largest exporter of ready-made garments, much of what's stitched for major Western brands can also be found in local markets. Head to New Market, Bongo Bazar or the Anannya Shopping Complex for export-quality clothes at a fraction of the price. Haggling is expected. For a more modern retail experience, the Bashundhara City and Jamuna Future Park malls offer everything from international fashion to cinemas and food courts. Aarong stores are great for Bangladeshi souvenirs like jute products and handloomed crafts. What to eat: Food is Dhaka's greatest love language. Street food, in particular, is vibrant and addictive, although caution is advisable for those with sensitive stomachs. 'Fuchka' are crunchy little orbs filled with mashed potatoes, lentils, tamarind water and spices that explode in your mouth. At Nazira Bazar in the old city, try Nanna Mia's Murg Polao, Haji's Mutton Tehari served on jackfruit leaves, Bakarkhani (a flaky, savoury biscuit), and Beauty's famous Lassi. The best kebabs, meanwhile, are made by Bihari chefs in the Mohammadpur and Mirpur Geneva Camps, in west and northwest Dhaka, respectively. Kacchi biryani is a Dhaka classic, made with tender mutton, fragrant rice, and potatoes cooked in ghee with authentic subcontinental spices in an airtight massive pot simmering over a coal fire. The best can be found at Sultan's Dine or Kacchi Bhai, with branches all over the city. Beyond the markets, you can also find food carts on each corner, selling an array of spicy snacks, fresh fruit, grilled meats, and drinks. If your stomach can handle it, dive in. But never drink tap water. Bottled water is cheap and essential. While you eat, don't be surprised if a stranger pays for your food or strikes up a conversation. Hospitality is a way of life here. You might even be invited home for lunch or dinner. What to drink: For a quintessential local experience, grab a cup of 'cha' or tea at a roadside 'tong' or tea shack. Everyone — from students to businesspeople — gathers here to discuss politics, cricket, or philosophy. Feel free to join the conversation. Public drinking is prohibited in Dhaka, but there are a few semi-dark bars (so called because of their deliberately low lighting) that serve foreigners and locals with permits, where you'll find local liquor called Carew's or the crisp Bangladeshi beer Hunter, easily mistaken for an Australian Foster's thanks to the similar packaging design. Local festivities: Festivals bring the city to life in glorious fashion. If you're in town during Eid or Durga Puja, don't be surprised if new friends pull you into family celebrations, stuff you with food and even gift you a new kurta, a traditional loose-fitting tunic. That's Dhaka for you — intense, generous, and unpredictable. CITY MEMO DATA POINTS Population: 24 million Price of a cup of tea: 10BDT ($0.08) from a tea shack or 250BDT ($2) from a top-tier restaurant. Price of a designer t-shirt: Between 250 and 600BDT ($2 and $5) from New Market or Bongo Bazar. Best place to see a sunset: The roadside food shacks next to Purbachal Express Highway and the posh rooftop cafes. Essential read: 'Dhaka: From Mughal Outpost to Metropolis' by Golam Rabbani provides a 400-year history of the city.
