Three Japanese CH-47 Chinook helicopters have joined Indonesia’s efforts to combat forest fires in West Kalimantan by conducting water-bombing operations.
Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin personally inspected the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) ship JS Kunisaki—which carries three CH-47 Chinook helicopters—in Mempawah, West Kalimantan, on Tuesday, the 15th of September.
The deployment of these three heavy-lift helicopters is part of Japan’s support for forest fire suppression operations in West Kalimantan. The helicopters have already commenced water-bombing operations, which are scheduled to continue until Saturday, the 19th of September.
Furthermore, during his visit, Sjamsoeddin met with the leadership of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces personnel aboard the JS Kunisaki. The meeting included discussions on the progress of operations and the status of the Japanese troops deployed to assist in managing the forest fires. He also received reports on the operational progress of the Japanese forces in the field.
Communication between the two nations was further strengthened when Sjamsoeddin spoke via telephone with Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi. During the conversation, Koizumi provided directives to the Japanese personnel involved in the humanitarian aid mission.
“As Defence Minister, I convey my gratitude and appreciation to Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi for the rapid response in providing CH-47 helicopters equipped with firefighting capabilities,” said Sjamsoeddin.
Operational cooperation has also been bolstered by the assignment of three safety officers from the Indonesian Army (TNI AD), Navy (TNI AL), and Air Force (TNI AU). Their role is to help ensure effective coordination between the Indonesian military elements and Japanese forces throughout the operation.
Additionally, according to Sjamsoeddin, this support represents a tangible aspect of the defence relationship between Indonesia and Japan, including the implementation of the Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA).
“This cooperation is grounded in the principles of mutual respect and mutual benefit. We are building not only defence cooperation but also a shared capacity to deliver direct benefits to the community,” he added.