Japan Sends Kunisaki Ship to Indonesia for Firefighting

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Japan has sent JS Kunisaki to Indonesia to support firefighting operations in Kalimantan. The ship departed for Indonesia on Sunday, August 30, 2026, carrying three JGSDF CH-47 helicopters.

The deployment follows a request from the Government of Indonesia amid severe forest and land fires in Kalimantan. Japan’s Ministry of Defense said the helicopters will support firefighting efforts as international disaster relief assistance.

The three CH-47 helicopters belong to the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF). They are being transported aboard JS Kunisaki, a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force transport ship.

Japan’s decision to provide assistance was announced after consultations between its foreign and defense ministers. The mission was ordered under Japan’s law concerning the dispatch of international emergency relief teams.

The operation also reflects the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief cooperation between Japan and Indonesia. The cooperation is outlined in the Defense Cooperation Agreement signed by both countries on May 4, 2026.

Japan’s Ministry of Defense and Self-Defense Forces will coordinate with Indonesia’s Ministry of Defense during the relief activities. Japan said the mission will support Indonesians affected by the disaster while strengthening bilateral defense cooperation.

Japan will continue working with its Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant agencies throughout the operation. The Ministry of Defense and Self-Defense Forces will also maintain a high level of vigilance during the mission.