The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has reported that\nthree Japanese heavy-lift Chinook helicopters have arrived in West\nKalimantan to assist Indonesia in managing forest and land fires\n(karhutla).<\/p>\n
The Acting Head of the BNPB Data, Information, and Disaster\nCommunication Centre, Berton SP Panjaitan, stated that the Japanese aid\narrived in the country via the JS Kunisaki fleet at Kijing Port,\nMempawah, West Kalimantan, on Thursday, 10 September 2026.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe can currently update that the Japanese fleet and personnel,\nspecifically the vessel JS Kunisaki, docked at Kijing Port, Mempawah,\nWest Kalimantan, on Thursday, 10 September 2026, carrying three units of\nChinook heavy-lift helicopters,\u201d Berton said during a press conference\non Thursday.<\/p>\n
According to Berton, the Japanese ship and helicopters arrived in\nIndonesia alongside approximately 180 to 300 personnel who will support\nthe implementation of forest and land fire management operations in\nIndonesia.<\/p>\n
Berton noted that operational preparations have been finalised,\nincluding the execution of helicopter flight tests. Currently, these\nflight tests are being conducted at Supadio Airport in Pontianak, West\nKalimantan.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe operational plan has been properly matured, and flight testing\nis currently underway at Supadio Airport, Pontianak,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Berton explained that the three Chinook helicopters will be utilised\nto assist in extinguishing forest fires from the air using the water\nbombing method. The suppression operations are planned to commence on\nFriday (11\/9) or Saturday (12\/9).<\/p>\n
\u201cThe schedule for suppression operations via aerial water bombing is\nplanned to begin on the 11th or 12th of September. We will see the\noutcome after they complete their trials,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n
According to Berton, there is a period of approximately one to two\ndays to conduct discussions and determine the priority locations for\nfire suppression. The determination of these locations will take place\nonce the testing and operational coordination processes are\ncomplete.<\/p>\n
The Japanese helicopter and personnel assistance is scheduled to\ncarry out its mission for 21 days. This operation is expected to\nstrengthen the forest fire suppression efforts currently being conducted\nby joint teams on the ground.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey will assist us for 21 days, supporting all the firefighting\nteams currently in the field,\u201d Berton concluded.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/japanese-helicopters-arrive-in-west-kalimantan-to-assist-in-forest-fire-suppression-for-three-weeks-1789045468", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }