Indonesia Authorizes 35 Foreign Aircraft to Help Fight Kalimantan Forest Fires

Indonesia has approved 35 foreign-registered aircraft to help extinguish forest and land fires in Kalimantan, which the government has designated a national priority. The move reflects a shortage of suitable aerial firefighting equipment inside the country.

Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi said the Directorate General of Civil Aviation issued the permits after authorities determined that additional aircraft were needed. The National Disaster Management Agency brought in the aircraft, and the central government will provide operational support.

“We need all the infrastructure required to put out the fires, including foreign aircraft that Indonesia happens not to have,” Dudy said. “They are being brought in by BNPB, then used for firefighting, and we are granting the permits.”

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We need all the infrastructure required to put out the fires, including foreign aircraft that Indonesia happens not to have.

The minister said the aircraft had already begun operating and could support aerial firefighting while the emergency continued. He said most were helicopters because they can effectively assist with firefighting from the air in affected areas.

The Transport Ministry said the permits cover 36 helicopters operated by 11 air operator certificate holders from Australia, Russia, the United States, Ukraine, New Zealand, Laos, Vietnam and Canada. The ministry is also providing accelerated licensing, operational assistance and flight-safety oversight.

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They are being brought in by BNPB, then used for firefighting, and we are granting the permits.