Defence Minister: Japan's forest fire assistance proves defence cooperation

Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin has said Japan’s involvement in helping to tackle forest and land fires (karhutla) in Indonesia is a concrete manifestation of defence cooperation between the two countries.

Speaking during a working meeting with Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) in Jakarta on Monday, Sjafrie said Japan’s assistance demonstrates that defence cooperation between the two countries also encompasses disaster management.

“Defence cooperation means that when a friend is in trouble, they come back to help,” Sjafrie said, as quoted from a statement by the Ministry of Defence.

According to him, Indonesia-Japan defence cooperation is a concrete implementation of the Indonesia-Japan Defence Cooperation Arrangement (DCA), particularly in the field of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).

Through this framework, the two countries are strengthening cooperation in disaster management, including coordination of humanitarian assistance, logistical support, and the use of transportation assets in emergency situations.

Japan has prepared three CH-47 Chinook helicopters to assist in forest and land fire operations in Indonesia.

The Ministry of Defence said a Japanese advance team has also arrived in Indonesia and is coordinating with elements of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Forest and Land Fire Task Force to prepare support on the ground.

Sjafrie said the assistance shows that Indonesia-Japan defence cooperation is broadening and no longer focused solely on military aspects.

He expressed hope that the collaboration between Indonesia and Japan can strengthen efforts to tackle forest and land fires in affected areas.