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View all search resultsJapan answers fire aid call as haze smothers region
Japan is set to deploy three helicopters to help Indonesia battle forest and peatland fires in Kalimantan at Jakarta’s request, as smoke from the blazes spread across Southeast Asia and pressure mounts on the government to accept more international assistance.
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A thick haze shrouds Metro Manila due to smoke from ongoing fires in Kalimantan on Sept. 1, 2026, seen from Quezon City, Philippines. (Reuters/Adrian Portugal)
J
apan is set to deploy three helicopters to help Indonesia battle forest and peatland fires in Kalimantan at Jakarta’s request as smoke from the blazes spreads across Southeast Asia and pressure mounts on the government to accept more international assistance.
The Japanese CH-47 Chinook helicopters, each capable of carrying up to 5,000 liters of water, are expected to begin water-bombing operations next Thursday, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) said.
Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin told House of Representatives Commission I, which oversees foreign affairs and defense, earlier on Monday that the assistance was being provided under the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) framework of the Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA) signed by Indonesia and Japan in May.
The agreement provides for closer coordination during disasters, including logistical support and the deployment of transport assets.
“In defense cooperation, when a friend is in need, the other steps in to help,” said Sjafrie during the meeting.
Read also: Burning Kalimantan forests put orangutans at risk
An advance team from Japan has arrived in Indonesia to coordinate with the Indonesian Military (TNI) and the forest and land fire task force ahead of the helicopters’ deployment.
