MEMPAWAH, thekabarnews.com—The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force transport vessel JS Kunisaki arrived at Kijing International Port in Mempawah Regency, West Kalimantan, on Thursday morning, September 10, carrying three CH-47 Chinook helicopters for Indonesia’s forest and land fire (karhutla) response.

The vessel, identified by hull number LST-4003, also transported approximately 180 Japanese personnel who will support preparations and helicopter operations.

The mission aims to strengthen aerial firefighting in areas that ground teams struggle to reach, particularly fire-prone peatlands.

Japan’s Ministry of Defense confirmed that JS Kunisaki had reached Kijing Port for international disaster relief operations. It said the helicopters would begin firefighting as soon as personnel completed the necessary preparations.

According to Japan’s Ministry of Defense, the vessel departed Japan on August 30, carrying three Japan Ground Self-Defense Force CH-47 transport helicopters.

Daniel, head of the West Kalimantan Regional Disaster Management Agency’s disaster information task force, said local authorities received the vessel as part of Japan’s assistance to the province.

“The reception of the Japanese vessel JS Kunisaki is part of the helicopter assistance for handling karhutla [forest and land fires] in West Kalimantan Province,” Daniel said.

Indonesian authorities plan to deploy the Chinooks for aerial water-dropping operations from September 12 to 19. Before their deployment, technical teams must unload the aircraft, conduct inspections and complete test flights.

Indonesian and Japanese personnel will also coordinate flight safety requirements and determine priority operating areas.

The deployment forms part of an international disaster relief mission under Japan’s disaster-response framework.

Japan’s Defense Ministry said the operation also supports the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief provisions of a defense cooperation arrangement signed by the two countries on May 4, 2026.

The assistance comes as firefighters continue to battle fires across West Kalimantan. BNPB reported 61 active fire points and 802.17 hectares of burned land in the province as of September 4.

The agency classified the air quality as hazardous and reported visibility below one kilometer at the time. Peat fires require prolonged cooling because underground material can continue burning after crews extinguish flames at the surface.

The Japanese helicopters will supplement Indonesia’s existing ground and aerial resources. Indonesian authorities will retain operational control while coordinating flight assignments with the Japanese contingent.

Officials expect the Chinooks’ lifting capacity and operational range to support water drops over remote locations. Their effectiveness, however, will depend on weather, visibility and access to suitable water sources.