Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has accepted Malaysia’s offer to assist in combating forest fires in Kalimantan, marking a key step in regional cooperation to address transboundary haze. The approval came during a meeting with Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who detailed plans for Malaysia to deploy aircraft, helicopters, and personnel to the affected area.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has officially accepted Malaysia’s offer to assist in combating forest and land fires in Kalimantan, a move that underscores the urgency of addressing the recurring haze crisis. The decision, confirmed during a meeting between Prabowo and Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in Jakarta, allows Malaysia to deploy a Bombardier CL-415MP aircraft, three helicopters, and 52 firefighting personnel from agencies including the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (APMM) and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF).The approval follows weeks of escalating fires that have blanketed parts of Sarawak and other regions with hazardous smoke.
Malaysia’s Offer and Indonesia’s Response
Malaysia’s assistance was formally proposed during Zahid’s working visit to Indonesia, which included discussions on disaster management and regional cooperation. Zahid, who also serves as chairman of the Central Disaster Management Committee, stated that Prabowo welcomed the offer
and emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to mitigate the fires’ impact. The statement came as Indonesia faces pressure to address the environmental and health crises linked to the blazes.
Prabowo himself expressed gratitude for Malaysia’s support during their meeting, citing the “brotherly” ties between the two nations. So, they want to help us, and we accept it well,
he said, according to a video shared by Zahid. The Indonesian leader also reiterated efforts to combat the fires, including the deployment of 1,500 additional military personnel and six large water-bombing helicopters to West Kalimantan, while 1,426 hotspots were reported in Kalimantan. The national disaster management agency has also resumed cloud-seeding operations to induce rainfall, though challenges persist due to the peatland fires, which can smolder underground even after surface flames are extinguished.
Regional Cooperation and Corporate Accountability
The agreement between Indonesia and Malaysia extends beyond immediate firefighting efforts. Zahid mentioned that both nations are exploring long-term measures to prevent future haze episodes, including stricter enforcement against companies linked to illegal burning. Indonesia has already taken legal action against 95 companies involved in open burning in the Borneo region, though Zahid clarified that no Malaysian companies had been identified among them. The companies are registered as Indonesian companies. In terms of shareholding, however, some of them may have a small proportion of shares owned by Malaysian shareholders,
he said. The statement highlights the complex ownership structures that complicate accountability in cross-border environmental issues.
Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency has also been tasked with coordinating the deployment of Malaysian resources, with Zahid urging the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure all parties involved in the operation work in a coordinated manner.
The collaboration comes as Indonesia faces scrutiny over its handling of the fires, which have repeatedly impacted neighboring countries. We are trying to deal with these forest and land fires as quickly as possible,
said national secretariat minister Prasetyo Hadi, according to Antara news agency. The comment reflects the heightened diplomatic and environmental stakes of the crisis.
Challenges and the Path Forward
Despite the progress in regional cooperation, the scale of the fires remains daunting. Over 3,100 medium-confidence hotspots were detected in West Kalimantan alone, with authorities warning of continued risks due to the peatland terrain. The president’s remarks suggest a focus on long-term reforms, including better land-use planning and stricter enforcement of environmental regulations.
For Malaysia, the involvement in Kalimantan’s firefighting efforts underscores its role as a regional leader in disaster response. The deployment of specialized equipment and personnel follows similar collaborations in past haze episodes, though the current scale of the crisis demands sustained commitment. As Prabowo noted, Even though it is a forest fire in Indonesia, the impact is felt by our neighbours.
The success of this partnership will depend on seamless coordination between both nations’ agencies and a shared focus on mitigating the environmental and health consequences of the fires.