Indonesia accepts Malaysia’s offer to help put out Kalimantan fires

Indonesia has accepted Malaysia's offer to aid in extinguishing forest and land fires in Kalimantan, which have generated transboundary haze impacting neighboring nations. Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi disclosed this during a press conference in Jakarta. President Prabowo Subianto granted his approval during a meeting at Istana Hambalang.

Zahid explained that the assistance encompasses the use of a Bombardier CL-415MP aircraft, three helicopters, and 52 officials from Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, and the Royal Malaysian Air Force. Furthermore, Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan has been assigned to coordinate this aid alongside relevant Indonesian agencies, including the meteorological department and the fire and rescue department.

The offer is not solely a temporary solution for fire suppression; both countries have also agreed on long-term measures to prevent future haze occurrences. Presently, there remain 1,426 hotspots in Kalimantan, and the Indonesian government has initiated legal proceedings against 95 businesses linked to open burning in the Borneo region.

Regarding potential Malaysian companies among the 95, Zahid stated that no such information had been revealed, although Indonesian authorities are investigating possible Malaysian involvement.