Japan deploys ship, helicopters to help tackle forest fires in Indonesia

Tokyo (ANTARA) - Japan’s Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) will deploy a warship and helicopters to Indonesia as part of an international assistance mission to help tackle forest and land fires. According to a statement from Japan’s Ministry of Defence on Friday, the transport vessel Kunisaki, carrying three CH-47 transport helicopters, will sail to Indonesia following a deployment order from Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi. Some 600 Japanese personnel will also be involved in the assistance mission to Indonesia. Japan’s Ministry of Defence said the mission to support forest fire control operations is in line with the defence cooperation agreement between the Indonesian and Japanese defence ministers signed in May. Under that agreement, Indonesia and Japan agreed to promote cooperation in humanitarian assistance and disaster operations.