TNI Deploys Special Paratroopers for Hard-to-Reach Wildfires

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) are preparing airborne firefighting units to support efforts to contain and extinguish wildfires in areas that are difficult to access by land.

The personnel are part of the Rapid Disaster Response Force (PRCPB), which has been prepared to respond quickly to emergency situations in the field.

Commander of the XIX/Tuanku Tambusai Military Command, Major General TNI Agus Hadi Waluyo, said the TNI had prepared its best paratroopers to be deployed to designated areas using free-fall techniques. The approach is intended to enable personnel to quickly reach fire hotspots and assist firefighting efforts in hard-to-reach areas.

“We have prepared our best paratroopers to carry out free-fall operations in certain areas so they can reach the site directly to extinguish the fires,” Agus said during a meeting on land and forest fire response attended by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Riau on Monday, 24 August 2026.

In addition to free-fall operations, TNI personnel are also equipped with other capabilities and techniques to support operations in difficult terrain. These include rappelling with specialized equipment and the use of paramotors to improve mobility and reach areas that are difficult to access using conventional vehicles.

Agus explained that paratroopers from various TNI units had been assembled to support the operation. “We have gathered the airborne firefighting units here from across the country,” he explained.

By optimizing its personnel, units, and available operational equipment, the TNI continues to support communities, protect affected areas, and help prevent wildfires from spreading and further disrupting the environment and people's activities.