Indonesian Air Force air operations accelerate forest and land fire suppression in South Kalimantan's Ring 1

Air operations carried out by the Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) are accelerating the suppression of forest and land fires (karhutla) in South Kalimantan, particularly in the priority area of Ring 1 around Syamsudin Noor International Airport in Banjarbaru.

“A number of helicopters from TNI AU and joint elements have been deployed, including Caracal, Bell, Mi-17, Super Puma, and UH helicopters,” said Commander of Sjamsudin Noor Air Base Colonel Pnb Hilman L.P. Ambarita in Banjarbaru on Tuesday.

The air base commander said the air fleet supports various operational needs, including firefighting through water bombing, monitoring, and support for ground task force elements.

While helicopters carry out their duties from the air, he said, personnel on the ground continue to conduct firefighting, containment, and monitoring of hotspot developments.

“The combination of air capability and personnel strength on the ground is a strategic step to improve the effectiveness of handling, while preventing the fire from spreading again,” said Air Base Commander Hilman.

For soldiers, he said, safeguarding public safety and helping to overcome disasters is part of their service to the nation and state.

Furthermore, collaboration between the TNI, National Police, Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), government agencies, and the community forms a collective strength in facing forest and land fires.

Each element complements one another in carrying out their duties, from firefighting and control on the ground, air operation support, monitoring, to prevention efforts so that fires do not spread again.

“Personnel move on the ground, helicopters work from the air, this is the tangible manifestation of TNI AU’s service to the nation,” he said.