Indonesia-Japan Defense Ties Strengthened Through Fire Relief

RRI.CO.ID, Mempawah - Indonesia and Japan strengthened defense cooperation through humanitarian assistance during forest fire response operations in West Kalimantan. The cooperation was highlighted during Minister of Defense Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin's visit to JS Kunisaki in Mempawah on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.

During the visit, Sjafrie met Japanese military delegation leaders aboard the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force vessel. He received an operational briefing and discussed the ongoing humanitarian assistance with the Japanese delegation.

Sjafrie also spoke directly with Japan's Minister of Defense Shinjiro Koizumi during the visit. The conversation provided an opportunity for Sjafrie to express Indonesia's appreciation for Japan's rapid response.

Minister of Defense Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin expressed appreciation for Japan's assistance and highlighted the importance of bilateral defense cooperation. He also emphasized the practical value of Indonesia-Japan relations during humanitarian operations.

“As Minister of Defense, I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation to Japan's Minister of Defense Shinjiro Koizumi for the rapid response in providing CH-47 helicopters equipped with firefighting capabilities,” Sjafrie said.

The cooperation reflects Indonesia-Japan bilateral relations and the countries' Defense Cooperation Agreement. Sjafrie said the partnership is based on mutual respect and mutual benefit.

The cooperation is further supported by three safety officers from the Indonesian Army, Navy, and Air Force. They were assigned to strengthen operational coordination between Indonesian and Japanese personnel during the assistance.

Japan's humanitarian assistance has joined the Indonesian military task force supporting the National Disaster Management Agency. The Indonesian government continues deploying national capabilities while integrating Japan's support into the response.

Sjafrie said the cooperation demonstrates the practical benefits of Indonesia's defense diplomacy with Japan. He said the partnership can help accelerate firefighting efforts and protect communities affected by forest and land fires.

“The most important thing is how all available capabilities can be used to protect the people, accelerate firefighting, and reduce the impacts of forest and land fires. That is the real benefit of good relations and defense diplomacy between Indonesia and Japan,” he said.

The cooperation also reflects the longstanding partnership between Indonesia and Japan. Through humanitarian assistance, the bilateral relationship continues supporting practical cooperation between the two countries.