(Press Release)
28 August, 2026
Japan Ministry of Defense
- Today, regarding the severe forest fires causing serious damage in the Republic of Indonesia, the Minister for Foreign Affairs consulted with the Minister of Defense about conducting international disaster relief activities based on the Law Concerning the Dispatch of the Japan Disaster Relief Team. This activity contributes to the “humanitarian assistance and disaster relief cooperation” mentioned in the “Defense Cooperation Arrangement between the Ministry of Defense of Japan and the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Indonesia,” signed on May 4 this year.
- In response, the Minister of Defense ordered the Commander, Japan Self-Defense Forces Joint Operations Command, to conduct international disaster relief activities in the Republic of Indonesia. The outline of the order is as follows, and this activity will also contribute to strengthening defense cooperation between Japan and Indonesia.
・Organize and deploy a unit centered on three aircraft for use in firefighting operations and one transport vessel, and conduct international disaster relief activities. - Following this order, the Ministry of Defense and the Japan Self-Defense Forces will dispatch, as soon as preparations are completed, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force transport vessel JS Kunisaki, carrying three Japan Ground Self-Defense Force CH-47 transport helicopters, to the affected area.
- Through this activity, the Ministry of Defense and the Japan Self-Defense Forces will work closely with the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Indonesia and make every effort to support the people of Indonesia affected by this disaster.
International Disaster Relief Activities in the Republic of Indonesia (PDF)