Indonesia Approves 35 Foreign Aircraft to Combat Kalimantan Fires

Indonesia has approved the deployment of 35 foreign aircraft to combat the ongoing forest fires in Kalimantan. This decision is an urgent measure to enhance firefighting capabilities and prevent the spread of haze. The approved aircraft include crucial aerial tankers (air tankers), essential for aerial firefighting operations. These aircraft are capable of directly dropping water onto fire sites that are difficult to access from the ground, thereby enabling swift and effective suppression. Forest fires in Kalimantan have become a recurring problem during the dry season, often resulting in extensive haze. This haze affects not only Indonesia but also neighboring countries, causing severe impacts on public health and economic activities. Fires in peatlands, in particular, tend to burn underground and can be difficult to extinguish. The acceptance of foreign aircraft signifies the Indonesian government's commitment to fire mitigation. The government aims to minimize damage by leveraging international cooperation for large-scale fires that exceed domestic resource capacity. Details regarding the specific deployment schedule and operational framework of the aircraft are expected to be announced soon. Source: Antara News (English)