Jakarta, MINA – The Indonesian government has granted permits for 35 foreign aircraft to assist in combating forest and land fires (karhutla) in Kalimantan, which has become a top national priority, said Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi.
The permits were issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation following requests from the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), as Indonesia lacks sufficient aerial firefighting equipment domestically.
“We always support national priorities. Firefighting is currently a top priority and must be addressed immediately,” Dudy said after a meeting with Commission V of the House of Representatives.
According to Dudy, the aircraft, mostly helicopters were procured by BNPB and are now operating with government support.
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“We need all necessary infrastructure, including foreign aircraft not available in Indonesia. BNPB brings them in, and we issue the permits,” he added.
The 35 permits apply to 11 Air Operator Certificate (AOC) holders from eight countries, including Russia and the United States, covering a total of 36 helicopters. Most are helicopters due to their effectiveness in aerial water bombing in fire-affected areas.[]
Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)
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