Jakarta: Australia is sending aircraft to support Indonesia’s wildfire waterbombing operations as the country battles its most intense fires in 11 years. The blazes and resulting haze have been linked to more than 400,000 cases of acute respiratory infections.
Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) stated that the New South Wales Rural Fire Service had dispatched a C-130 Hercules aircraft and a Cessna Citation aircraft. Both are expected to join firefighting operations from November 6 to 12 to assist Indonesian teams in containing the fires.
Kristomei Sianturi, head of BNPB, noted that Indonesia continues large-scale efforts to tackle the fires. The response includes waterbombing missions and cloud seeding operations. Authorities also sought assistance from other countries as the situation continues.
The wildfire crisis affected large areas of land, particularly on the islands of Sumatra, Borneo and Papua. BNPB data showed that fire and haze contributes to more than 400,000 cases of acute respiratory infections across 7 provinces as of November 2. The health impact has added urgency to efforts to control the fires and reduce smoke exposure in affected communities.
Roderick Bruce Brazier, Australian Ambassador to Indonesia remarked that the support includes a Large Air Tanker capable of releasing up to 15,000 litres of water during each sortie. The aircraft is estimated to have the capacity to carry out up to 6 sorties per day.
The Australian aircraft are expected to strengthen the aerial response during the November 6–12 deployment period. Their contribution will form part of wider efforts involving Indonesian emergency teams and international assistance to limit the spread of fires.
The firefighting response also faced operational risks. A waterbombing helicopter crashed in Central Kalimantan on Borneo island on November 4. The military added that 1 crew member was killed and 5 others were injured. Two other officers remained awaiting evacuation.
The crash highlights the dangers faced by personnel involved in aerial firefighting as Indonesia works to bring the widespread blazes under control. Australian assistance is expected to support ongoing operations during a critical period for the country’s wildfire response.
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