August 23, 2026 | 05:36 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian government is facilitating foreign-registered aircraft to strengthen the handling of forest and land fires in Kalimantan by expediting permits, providing operational support, and ensuring flight safety.
Lukman F. Laisa, the ministry's director general of Civil Aviation, expressed his office's support to combat wildfires in Kalimantan.
"This includes facilitating the use of foreign-registered aircraft to support firefighting and disaster management efforts," he confirmed on Sunday, August 23, 2026, as quoted from Antara.
As of Sunday, the Civil Aviation DG has processed 35 special permits for the use of foreign-registered aircraft.
According to Lukman, foreign aircraft granted special permits can be redeployed to other locations requiring disaster relief support according to the Decree of the Director General of Civil Aviation No. KP. 9 of 2021 on the Authorization of Foreign Aircraft Operations.
The operator then notifies the Civil Aviation DG within 1 x 24 hours regarding this repositioning. This policy is intended to provide operational flexibility that allows aircraft to be deployed swiftly to areas in need while complying with applicable flight safety and security regulations.
The Directorate of Airworthiness and Aircraft Operation also carries out oversight and certification functions for airworthiness aspects, including if there are aircraft modifications needed to support operational firefighting activities.
Once the certification and technical requirements are met, the implementation of flight operations becomes the responsibility of the operator in accordance with the provisions and authorizations in their Air Operator Certificate (AOC).
Meanwhile, aircraft deployment is adjusted to disaster-response needs and coordination with authorized parties, including the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB/BPBD), local governments, and other agencies or parties using or leasing the aircraft. The Directorate General of Air Transportation of the Ministry of Transportation ensures that regulatory and flight safety aspects remain a priority.
In addition to facilitating special permits for foreign aircraft, the Indonesian government ensures that the airspace needed and up-to-date flight information are available to support firefighting activities.
This is to ensure the safety and smooth operation of flights through coordination with Airnav Indonesia as the provider of air navigation services that issues information through Notice to Airmen (NOTAM).
As of August 20, 2026, the Civil Aviation DG has recorded three active NOTAMs related to wildfire handling. These include NOTAM A3042/26 regarding airspace reservation for water bombing activities, NOTAM B0860/26 related to airspace reservation for water bombing and air patrol activities in West Kalimantan, and NOTAM B0815/26 informing the unavailability of Taxiway Alpha at Banjarmasin Airport due to water bombing activities.
In addition, there is one active NOTAM related to the temporary closure of airports due to haze from forest fires, namely NOTAM C0977/26 for Nabire Airport.
Read: Prabowo Continues Visit to Central Kalimantan to Monitor Forest Fires
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