Japan Deploys Kunisaki Ship and Three Helicopters to Assist in Indonesia Forest Fire Suppression

A Japan Self-Defence Forces transport ship has departed from a port in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan, on Sunday (30/08/2026), to undertake a mission to assist Indonesia in extinguishing forest and land fires.

According to the Japanese Ministry of Defence, following its departure from the Kure base, the Kunisaki vessel, which carries three CH-47 helicopters, is expected to arrive in Indonesia within one to two weeks, as reported by Kyodo.

This represents the first overseas firefighting mission undertaken by Japan Self-Defence Forces (SDF) personnel.

Approximately 350 personnel will participate in the operation, which is based on a cooperation agreement signed last May by the defence ministries of both nations. Forest and land fires are currently affecting the Kalimantan region.

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) continues to prioritise the handling of forest and land fires across six provinces. These provinces include West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, South Kalimantan, Riau, South Sumatra, and Jambi.