Indonesia Deploys 1,200 Soldiers from Java to Combat Kalimantan Forest Fires

Indonesia is sending three battalions, totaling around 1,200 soldiers from Java, to Kalimantan to reinforce the fight against widespread forest and land fires. The move comes amid a shortage of personnel on the ground in the affected areas.

Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi announced the deployment, stating the troops were expected to arrive by Saturday or Sunday to aid in extinguishing the fires. "So in the coordination meeting, additional [personnel] were still needed, and the plan is for approximately three battalions to be sent again from Java," he said.

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So in the coordination meeting, additional [personnel] were still needed, and the plan is for approximately three battalions to be sent again from Java, the number is approximately 1,200 soldiers, God willing, they will be at the location this afternoon or tomorrow at the latest.

President Prabowo Subianto made the decision after receiving reports and discussing the needs with relevant officials. He also ordered the addition of essential equipment, including helicopters for water bombing, water pumps, bore-well pumps, and fire trucks. The President emphasized that all legal violations related to the fires must be dealt with strictly.

Existing battalions in West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, and South Kalimantan have been assisting with the fires, but their numbers are insufficient. The additional troops and equipment are intended to optimize the handling of the "karhutla" (kebakaran hutan dan lahan) crisis.

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Several things were also decided directly by the President, additional equipment, starting from helicopters for water bombing, then water pumps, then here also the need for pumps for bore wells, then also additional personnel.