Poor Visibility Grounds Japanese Helicopters Assisting Indonesia’s Forest Fire Response

Jakarta, MINA – The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has revealed that Japan has not yet been able to operate its Chinook helicopters to help extinguish forest and land fires (karhutla) in West Kalimantan due to extremely poor visibility.

“We can inform you that the Japanese helicopter assistance has currently arrived in West Kalimantan but cannot yet be operated because visibility is very low,” said Acting Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center, Berton SP Panjaitan, during a press conference on Tuesday.

BNPB reported that visibility in West Kalimantan is now less than one kilometer. This visibility level applies to the areas of Mempawah, Pontianak, Melawi, Sambas, Ketapang, Kubu Raya, Sintang, Kapuas Hulu, and Singkawang City. Given these conditions, Berton said Japan will only carry out operations once visibility improves.

“The Japanese side wants to conduct operations when visibility reaches 3,500 to 5,000 meters,” he explained.

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Previously, in response to the Indonesian government’s request, Japan announced it would assist in handling the forest fires. The assistance came in the form of three JGSDF CH-47 helicopters transported using the JS Kunisaki vessel, according to the Japanese Ministry of Defense on Friday.

The three heavy CH-47 Chinook helicopters arrived in Mempawah on Thursday, according to ANTARA. The three units are planned to assist with aerial firefighting and transport logistics that are difficult to reach by land.

Forest and land fires have been raging across Kalimantan and Sumatra, exacerbated by the dry season and the El Niño weather phenomenon.

The fires have produced thick haze, reducing visibility, worsening air quality, and causing health problems for residents.[]

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Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)