East Java Government Leases Airbus PK-DAP Helicopter to Combat Mount Bromo Fires

The East Java Provincial Government has leased an additional Airbus helicopter, registered PK-DAP, to reinforce the fleet combating forest and land fires in the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (TNBTS). The aircraft arrived on Sunday (9/8) and immediately joined the team in the Mount Bromo area, according to East Java Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) Head Adhy Karyono in Surabaya on Monday (10/8).

Adhy stated that the Airbus helicopter was deployed to strengthen the water bombing operations in the TNBTS area, supplementing two helicopters from the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) already in service. Prior to joining the operation, a briefing was held with the Commander of Abdulrachman Saleh Air Force Base, BNPB officials, and all pilots to enhance operational effectiveness. The meeting stressed the need for aerial surveillance to identify hotspots and smoke plumes that could potentially trigger larger fires.

Two Airbus helicopters will be on standby and refuel at Ranu Pani, while the Super Puma will continue operating from the air force base. Adhy noted that all resources are being coordinated for maximum firefighting effectiveness and expressed gratitude to the joint team comprising BPBD, TNBTS, the military, police, firefighters, and volunteers for their efforts under challenging conditions.

The forest and land fires in the TNBTS area have now spread to approximately 520 hectares. The closure of four entry points to the Mount Bromo tourist area since Saturday has begun to impact the local economy. Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni has urged the public to refrain from any activities involving fire in forest areas, particularly during the peak of the dry season and the El Niño phenomenon, and has stressed that legal action will be pursued against those responsible for igniting the fires.