Japanese Aid Helicopters to Combat Forest Fires Arrive 10 September 2026

Japan will send three helicopters to help the Indonesian government extinguish forest and land fires (karhutla). The three helicopters are scheduled to arrive in Indonesia on 10 September 2026.

“Regarding the cooperation between Indonesia and Japan on helicopter assistance, three helicopters will arrive soon. We have received information that they will arrive here on the 10th, and of course we welcome this cooperation,” said Acting Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Centre, Berton SP Panjaitan, during a press conference on Monday, 31 August 2026.

Berton explained that Indonesia has already held discussions regarding the three helicopters from Japan for handling forest and land fires. However, he could not yet confirm where the assistance helicopters would be deployed.

“Initial discussions have certainly been held. We will continue to consolidate this until the aircraft finally arrive in Indonesia and become operational,” said Berton.

“How long, and where, we will also obtain further information so that accurate data can be updated later. For now, we have not received clearer information,” he added.

For context, Japanese authorities, through the Japan Ministry of Defence (JMOD) and the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF), are sending three CH-47 Chinook helicopters to Indonesia. The three helicopters will be used to support firefighting operations for forest and land fires in Kalimantan.

This was announced via the official JMOD Instagram account on Friday, 28 August 2026.

“In response to the severe damage caused by forest fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia, Japan has decided to support firefighting operations by deploying Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) helicopters. This assistance is provided at the request of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia as part of international disaster relief activities,” JMOD wrote, as quoted on Saturday, 29 August 2026.

The three helicopters are being transported aboard the JSDF vessel JS Kunisaki.

“The Japan Ministry of Defence (JMOD) and the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) will dispatch the JS Kunisaki, carrying three CH-47 helicopters belonging to the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), to Indonesia as soon as all preparations are complete,” the account stated.