Indonesian Ambassador: Japan’s Support Reflects Humanitarian Solidarity

RRI.CO.ID, Tokyo – The Japanese Government has deployed Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) assets to assist the Indonesian Government in tackling forest and land fires through aerial firefighting or water-bombing operations in affected areas. Indonesian Ambassador to Japan, Nurmala Kartini Sjahrir, said the support was a form of humanitarian solidarity and reflected the close friendship and defense cooperation between Indonesia and Japan.

“Japan’s support in addressing forest and land fires in Indonesia demonstrates that Indonesia-Japan defense relations are not only built through dialogue and institutional cooperation, but are also translated into concrete action when needed,” Kartini said in a statement received in Jakarta on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.

She said the involvement of the JSDF in addressing the forest and land fires also demonstrated growing trust, coordination, and the ability of the Indonesian Military (TNI) and the JSDF to work together, particularly in responding to disasters and humanitarian emergencies.

“This collaboration is expected to make a tangible contribution to accelerating efforts to address forest and land fires, while also strengthening both countries’ preparedness to respond to disasters in the future,” she conveyed.

Japan’s support involves the deployment of the JS Kunisaki (LST-4003), three CH-47 helicopters operated by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), and approximately 350 JSDF personnel.

The three CH-47 helicopters will support aerial firefighting operations by conducting water bombing using Bambi Buckets in areas affected by the forest and land fires.

The Japanese Government decided to provide the assistance on August 28, 2026, following an official request from the Indonesian Government. On August 30, the JS Kunisaki, carrying the three CH-47 helicopters, personnel, and supporting equipment, departed Japan for Indonesia.

The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in Tokyo continues to coordinate with Japan’s Ministry of Defense (JMOD), the JSDF, and relevant agencies in Indonesia and Japan to support the smooth deployment and implementation of the humanitarian mission.

The deployment is one of the concrete forms of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) cooperation between Indonesia and Japan.

Disaster management cooperation is an important area of the two countries’ defense relations and has been further strengthened through the Indonesia-Japan Defense Cooperation Arrangement (DCA), signed on May 4, 2026.