TNI Freefall Paratroopers to Be Deployed to Tackle Forest and Land Fires

The handling of forest and land fires (karhutla) in Riau has now received an unconventional strategic boost. The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) is preparing freefall paratroopers to be deployed directly to fire locations that are difficult for ground troops or vehicles to reach.

The readiness of these troops was reported by Riau Regional Military Commander Major General Agus Hadi Waluyo to President Prabowo Subianto during a coordination meeting on forest and land fire management at the Riau Province Forward Command Post on Monday (24/8).

“Mr President, we report that we have also formed a PRCPB (Rapid Reaction Disaster Management Force) team initiated by the TNI Commander. We have prepared the best paratroopers to carry out freefall operations in certain areas so they can be directly on the spot to extinguish fires,” said Agus.

The team has been prepared as part of the Rapid Reaction Disaster Management Force (PRCPB). The TNI stated that it has prepared an Alpha team, including freefall paratroopers assembled from central command to support operations in Riau.

The concept of troop deployment is tailored to terrain conditions. Prabowo requested that troops with special capabilities be used primarily for locations that are difficult to reach through ordinary routes.

“Yes, for places that are hard to reach. If it can be reached, perhaps a helicopter with rappelling or fast-roping would suffice. Are paramotors available?” Prabowo asked.

Agus replied that paramotors and drones are also available to support operations. With these various methods, personnel can gain access to hard-to-reach locations while monitoring fire conditions from the air.

Prabowo then requested that the freefall capability should not merely be a ceremonial capability, but should genuinely be used to assist in disaster management.

“If possible, please put it into practice and I ask that it be documented. I think this is the first time we have done this in history. Indeed, freefall should not only be for ceremonies but is now being used to help the people,” said Prabowo.

In addition to special forces, the TNI has also prepared safety equipment for personnel working near hotspots and fire points. The government stated that personal protective equipment is available in warehouses and personnel located closest to fire sites have been instructed to use it.