Indonesia to hold technical talks with Malaysia on forest fire assistance

Indonesia has accepted Malaysia's offer of assistance in combating forest and land fires, which includes a CL-415MP amphibious aircraft, a Mi-171 helicopter, and 44 personnel to support the fire suppression operations. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) in Indonesia will hold technical discussions with Malaysia's National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) to review the offer and address aspects such as suitability of the aid, personnel assignments, logistics requirements, and safety procedures.

The discussions will also explore alternative support if dense smoke and limited visibility hinder air-based fire suppression efforts. The planned coordination follows a meeting between BNPB Chairman Kristomei Sianturi and Malaysian Ambassador to Indonesia Muzafar Shah Mustafa in Jakarta. Indonesia has previously accepted Malaysia's offer, which includes the amphibious aircraft, Mi-171 helicopter, and personnel to augment the fire suppression operations.

Both countries will also explore technical cooperation in early warning and monitoring systems, data analysis, affected area assessment, fire suppression strategies, personnel training, and operations control under Indonesian leadership. As of October 25, Indonesia has mobilized 71,878 personnel on the ground and 63 aircraft, consisting of 39 water-bombing helicopters and 24 planes for search and rescue operations.