Japan-Indonesia Firefighting Mission Ends in West Kalimantan

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin bid farewell to members of the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) after they completed a mission to help combat forest and land fires in West Kalimantan.

"Today, I am present on the deck of this ship to personally see off the JSDF firefighting assistance mission as they prepare to return to their home country in the coming days," Minister Sjafrie said aboard the Japanese LST-03 Kunisaki, which was docked at Kijing International Port in Mempawah Regency, West Kalimantan, on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

The mission formed part of Japan's support for efforts to tackle forest and land fires in West Kalimantan through the deployment of three CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift helicopters transported aboard the JS Kunisaki.

Japan officially concluded the mission on Tuesday, Sept. 29, after aerial firefighting operations were deemed effective in helping prevent the fires from spreading.

Acting head of the Data, Information and Disaster Communication Center at the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), Berton SP Panjaitan, conveyed the Indonesian government's appreciation to Japan for its support throughout the firefighting mission.

Japanese Ambassador to Indonesia Ueno Atsushi also thanked the Indonesian government for its warm reception and support during the mission.

According to Ueno, the overseas firefighting mission marked the first such experience for the Japan Self-Defense Forces.

"Going forward, we will strengthen similar cooperation with Indonesia, both in disaster management and defense cooperation," Ueno said.

The mission also highlighted Indonesia-Japan cooperation in disaster response, particularly during Indonesia's efforts to contain forest and land fires that required aerial firefighting support.

Three Japanese CH-47 Chinook helicopters arrived in West Kalimantan on Sept. 10, 2026, aboard the JS Kunisaki after the vessel sailed from Japan to Indonesia.

The JSDF mission's completion marks the end of Japan's direct support for firefighting operations in West Kalimantan. Efforts to extinguish remaining fires will continue under the National Task Force, working together with local administrations and volunteers. ***