Indonesia Fast-Tracks Foreign Aircraft Use to Combat Forest Fires

The Indonesian government is expediting permits and providing operational support to foreign-registered aircraft to strengthen their role in combating forest and land fires in Kalimantan. Lukman F. Laisa, the ministry's director general of Civil Aviation, confirmed this support on August 23, 2026. The Civil Aviation DG has processed 35 special permits for the use of such aircraft, allowing them to be redeployed to other disaster relief locations within 24 hours as per Decree No. KP.

9 of 2021. This policy aims to provide operational flexibility and swift deployment to affected areas while adhering to flight safety and security regulations. The Directorate of Airworthiness and Aircraft Operation oversees airworthiness aspects, including any necessary aircraft modifications to support firefighting activities.

Deployment of these aircraft is coordinated with various authorized parties, including the National Disaster Mitigation Agency, local governments, and other agencies. The Directorate General of Air Transportation ensures regulatory compliance and flight safety throughout the process. As of August 20, 2026, there are three active NOTAMs related to wildfire handling, including one for airspace reservation for water bombing activities in West Kalimantan and another for the temporary closure of Nabire Airport due to haze from forest fires.