Key facts
- Japan will deploy three CH-47 Chinook transport helicopters and 180 crew to Indonesia this weekend.
- The helicopters will be based in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, the worst-affected province.
- Operations are scheduled from September 12 to 19.
- Indonesia has deployed over 50 aircraft for water bombing and seeding activities.
- The fires have caused significant haze and air pollution.
Japan is set to deploy three CH-47 Chinook transport helicopters and 180 crew members to Indonesia this weekend to assist in combating ongoing wildfires. Indonesian defense officials confirmed the deployment, which aims to tackle fires that have been raging for months, particularly in Sumatra and Borneo.
The Japanese helicopters are expected to arrive on Wednesday and will be based in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, the most severely affected province. Following flight tests, they are scheduled to conduct operations from September 12 to 19. Indonesia has already intensified its efforts, deploying over 50 aircraft for water bombing and seeding activities, with September anticipated to be the most critical month in the battle against the blazes.
The fires, exacerbated by dry weather, have led to widespread haze and increased air pollution, raising concerns in neighboring Singapore and Malaysia. The Japanese helicopters are arriving aboard the JS Kunisaki, a vessel previously used for disaster relief. Indonesian military officials noted that the main challenge in containing the fires is finding adequate water sources, and efforts are underway to drill new water sources.