TNI deploys A400M for forest and land fire operation in Kalimantan

The Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) deployed its largest transport aircraft, the A400M, to support forest and land fire (karhutla) suppression operations in Kalimantan on Saturday (22/8).

According to an official TNI AU press release received in Jakarta on Sunday, the aircraft was deployed to transport firefighting support equipment such as water pumps, masks, and patrol vehicles.

A-4002 Pilot in Command Lieutenant Colonel Putut Satriya explained in the press statement that the aircraft was deployed because it can accommodate a large amount of cargo.

This allows the Air Force to send large quantities of logistics to Kalimantan.

“In total, we are carrying 22 tonnes of logistical assistance,” he said.

He added that the aircraft departed from Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base in Jakarta on Saturday evening and was expected to arrive today.

Once the aircraft arrives, the crew will unload the logistics and use them for fire suppression operations in several locations.

He expressed hope that the logistical assistance would help personnel currently battling the fires on the ground.

“We hope this assistance can make a real contribution to handling forest and land fires in Kalimantan. We hope the forest and land fires can be resolved soon so that the public can resume their activities safely and normally,” he concluded.