1,200 Troops from Java Deployed to Tackle Forest Fires in Kalimantan

The government will send three battalions of soldiers from Java to Kalimantan to strengthen the handling of forest and land fires (karhutla) amid limited personnel in the field.

Minister of State Secretary (Mensesneg) Prasetyo Hadi, in a statement quoted in Jakarta on Saturday, said the additional troops of around 1,200 personnel were planned to arrive at the location on Saturday or at the latest Sunday (23/8) to assist in the firefighting process.

“So earlier in the coordination meeting, additional support was still needed, and the plan is to send approximately three more battalions from Java as reinforcement, totalling around 1,200 troops. God willing, they will be at the location this evening or at the latest tomorrow,” said Prasetyo.

Prasetyo explained that battalions stationed in West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, and South Kalimantan have been assisting in the firefighting efforts. However, the number of available personnel is still considered limited, necessitating additional troops from outside Kalimantan.

The additional personnel is one of the decisions made by President Prabowo Subianto after receiving reports and discussing with relevant officials the need to strengthen the handling of forest and land fires in several areas of Kalimantan.

In addition to personnel, the President also decided to add various equipment to support firefighting operations, including helicopters for water bombing, water pumps, pumps for bore wells, tanker trucks, and fire engines.

“Several matters were also directly decided by the President, including the addition of equipment, starting from helicopters for water bombing, water pumps, and also the need for pumps for bore wells, as well as additional personnel,” said Prasetyo.