Korpasgat TNI AU Uses Thermal Drones to Detect Wildfire Hotspots

RRI.CO.ID, Palangka Raya - The Indonesian Air Force’s Rapid Reaction Forces Corps (Korpasgat) uses thermal drones to detect wildfire hotspots from the air as part of efforts to tackle forest and land fires in Central Kalimantan. Korpasgat personnel assigned to the Central Kalimantan Forest and Land Fire Task Force’s Alpha Team, along with personnel from the Indonesian Navy and Army.

They responded to a forest and land fire at the Km 21 Shooting Range in Bukit Batu District, Palangka Raya, on Saturday, September 12, 2026.

The thermal drone is used to identify fire hotspots, including in areas that are difficult for personnel to reach directly. Once a hotspot is detected, the information is used to direct ground personnel to areas requiring firefighting.

Commander of the Alpha Team of the Central Kalimantan Forest and Land Fire Task Force, Captain Pas M. Hermanto Saputra, said the thermal equipment helps personnel pinpoint fire hotspots more accurately, allowing firefighting efforts to be carried out in a targeted manner.

“This thermal equipment helps us identify the location of fire hotspots, allowing personnel to be directed to areas that require attention,” Hermanto said.

After the hotspots are identified, personnel carry out firefighting operations using prepared equipment, including portable fire extinguishers and fireballs. The supporting equipment is used to help reach hotspots that are difficult to handle with firefighting hoses.

Terrain conditions remain one of the challenges in firefighting operations. When hoses cannot reach the hotspots, personnel use supporting equipment to accelerate the response and prevent the fire from spreading.

“When the hoses cannot reach the hotspots, we use supporting equipment to assist the firefighting process,” he said.

The use of thermal drones combined with ground personnel capabilities is part of Korpasgat’s efforts to support effective forest and land fire response. Coordination with other TNI elements continues to address forest and land fires across Central Kalimantan.