Indonesia to hold technical talks with Malaysia on forest fire assistance

Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) will hold technical discussions with its Malaysian counterpart, the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma), on Putrajaya’s offer of aircraft and personnel to help combat forest and land fires in Indonesia.

BNPB Disaster Data, Information and Communication Centre acting head Berton Panjaitan said the technical discussions, facilitated by Indonesia’s foreign ministry, would cover the suitability of the assistance, deployment readiness, logistical requirements and aviation safety procedures.

“The discussions would also consider alternative support if thick smoke and poor visibility hampered aerial firefighting operations,” he said in a statement.

However, he did not specify when the technical discussions would take place.

Berton said the planned coordination followed a meeting between BNPB chief Kristomei Sianturi and Malaysia’s ambassador-designate to Indonesia Muzafar Shah Mustafa at the agency’s headquarters in Jakarta today.

He said Indonesia had received an offer of assistance from Malaysia comprising one CL-415MP amphibious aircraft, one Mi-171 helicopter and 44 personnel, including crew members and technicians, to support firefighting operations.

“The proposed assistance will be assessed further to ensure it meets operational requirements and actual conditions on the ground,” he said.

Berton said both countries were also exploring technological cooperation in early warning and detection, data analysis, area assessment, firefighting strategies, research, and personnel training.

“Operational control will remain with the Indonesian government,” he said, adding that all international assistance would be aligned with Indonesia’s disaster response requirements and prevailing regulations.

He said as of Oct 25, Indonesia had deployed 71,878 ground personnel and 63 aircraft, comprising 39 water-bombing helicopters and 24 aircraft for patrols and weather modification operations.

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