Indonesian Air Force deploys two helicopters to support forest fire operations in South Kalimantan

The Indonesian Air Force has sent two helicopters to support forest and land fire (karhutla) handling operations in South Kalimantan.

“We received the arrival of two Indonesian Air Force Caracal helicopters which landed on the apron at Sjamsudin Noor Air Base yesterday,” said Commander of Sjamsudin Noor Air Base Colonel Pilot Hilman L.P. Ambarita in Banjarbaru on Monday.

The arrival of the two helicopters adds strength to aerial firefighting operations, particularly in reaching hotspots that are difficult for ground firefighting teams to handle.

With high carrying capacity and mobility, the Caracal helicopters will support rapid and precise firefighting efforts, especially in areas with limited access and hotspots that have the potential to spread.

The air base commander said the presence of the two helicopters also strengthens operational synergy between air elements and ground teams.

“Information regarding hotspots from field personnel can serve as a reference in determining targets so that firefighting efforts can be carried out more effectively,” he said.

He affirmed that Sjamsudin Noor Air Base is ready to support all forest and land fire handling operations in the South Kalimantan region.

“We are ready to support and synergise with all relevant elements so that forest and land fire suppression efforts can be carried out quickly, effectively, and in a coordinated manner,” he stressed.

The air base commander also stated that the Indonesian Air Force continues to demonstrate readiness in supporting forest and land fire management, while strengthening joint efforts to prevent the spread of fires and minimise their impact on communities and the environment in the South Kalimantan region.