Transport Minister Authorises 35 Foreign Aircraft to Assist in Forest Fire Management
The Minister of Transport, Dudy Purwagandhi, stated that the government has authorised 35 foreign aircraft to strengthen the management of forest and land fires (karhutla) in Kalimantan. Fire suppression is currently a top national priority.
The permits were issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation following a need for additional firefighting resources, as the necessary aerial equipment is not yet fully available within Indonesia. This shortage prompted the deployment of foreign aircraft to provide direct assistance.
“In essence, we will always support what is a priority. Such as this fire management, which is a primary priority at this time. In the short term, these fires must be extinguished immediately,” said the Minister after a working meeting with Commission V of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) in Jakarta on Tuesday (2/9/2026).
According to Dudy, these foreign aircraft are being brought in by the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) to be used in firefighting activities across several regions in Kalimantan, with operational support from the central government.
“We need all the infrastructure required for firefighting, including foreign aircraft that happen not to be owned by Indonesia. Therefore, we are bringing them in, they are brought in by BNPB, used for firefighting, and we provide the permits,” Dudy explained.
The Minister of Transport confirmed that all flight permits for the 35 foreign aircraft have been granted, allowing the fleet to begin aerial firefighting operations immediately during the forest and land fire emergency.
Dudy noted that most of the foreign aircraft used for fire management are helicopters, due to their ability to effectively support aerial firefighting processes in affected locations.
“Yes, those aircraft are already operating to handle the forest fires. We have granted all the necessary permits. There are approximately 35 aircraft,” the Minister added.
The Ministry of Transport stated that the 35 permits for foreign-registered aircraft, originating from countries ranging from Russia to the United States, have been issued to strengthen the response to forest and land fires occurring in several regions across the country.