Japan's Kunisaki Ship Departs to Help Fight Indonesia Wildfires

Japan’s Kunisaki Ship Departs to Help Fight Indonesia Wildfires

Reporter

August 30, 2026 | 08:05 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A Japan Self-Defense Forces transport ship departed a port in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan, on Sunday on a mission to help Indonesia fight forest fires.

According to Japan’s Defense Ministry, the Kunisaki, carrying three CH-47 helicopters, departed from the Kure base and is expected to reach Indonesia within one to two weeks, Kyodo reported, as quoted by ANTARA.

About 600 personnel are expected to participate in the Self-Defense Forces’ first overseas firefighting mission, which is being carried out under a cooperation agreement signed by the two countries’ defense ministries last May.

Previously, Japan will deploy three Ground Self-Defense Force CH-47 transport helicopters to Indonesia to help fight forest and land fires, marking the first time Japan’s Self-Defense Forces have conducted firefighting operations overseas, according to NHK World.

The helicopters will be transported to Indonesia aboard the Maritime Self-Defense Force’s Kunisaki, which is expected to depart for Indonesia once preparations are completed.

About 600 Japanese personnel will take part in the international emergency relief mission, Japan’s Defense Ministry said Friday.

Bardjan contributed to this article

Read: Japan to Send 3 Helicopters to Help Indonesia Battle Wildfires

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