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Australia deploys military aircraft to assist Indonesia's forest fire battle

An Australian C-130 Hercules transport aircraft has been dispatched to Indonesia to support ongoing efforts to combat severe wildfires ravaging East Kalimantan province. The deployment marks international cooperation in tackling the regional environmental crisis.

LSN Malaysia · 6 November 2026

Australia deploys military aircraft to assist Indonesia's forest fire battle

The military transport plane departed Jakarta on Thursday bound for East Kalimantan, where it will join Indonesian water-bombing operations against the spreading fires, according to Indonesia's disaster management agency.

The C-130 Hercules represents a significant addition to Indonesia's firefighting capabilities during what has become an increasingly critical situation in the region. Australia's contribution underscores growing international concern over the scale and impact of the forest fires, which have threatened communities and ecosystems across the province.

The aircraft will work alongside local Indonesian teams already engaged in aerial water-bombing missions to suppress the blazes. The deployment demonstrates regional cooperation in addressing environmental emergencies that can have far-reaching consequences across Southeast Asia.

Indonesia has faced recurring challenges with large-scale forest fires, particularly during dry seasons when vegetation becomes increasingly susceptible to ignition. The involvement of international resources reflects the magnitude of the current crisis and the need for coordinated cross-border assistance to bring the situation under control.