Malaysia Offers Support to Indonesia Amid Forest Fire Crisis

As Indonesia faces a severe crisis with widespread forest and land fires, Malaysia has stepped forward with an offer of assistance that includes a Bombardier CL-415MP aircraft, three helicopters, and 52 personnel. This proposal was confirmed by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in addressing transboundary haze issues.

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi reiterated Malaysia's readiness to mobilize its resources once an official request is received from Indonesia. He noted that while the assistance may seem modest compared to Indonesia's overall firefighting capabilities, he described it as a good gesture to help Malaysia's closest neighbor.

“Malaysia's assistance, no matter how small, is a good gesture to help our closest neighbor.”Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia

However, Indonesia's political and security affairs coordinating minister, Dudung Abdurachman, has indicated that the offers from Malaysia and other countries are currently on hold. He said assistance would only be considered if the fires were declared a national disaster, and that Indonesia was still capable of handling the situation, while highlighting logistical challenges such as fuel distribution and coordination on the ground.

“For now, we are still capable of handling the situation.”Dudung Abdurachman, Indonesian Minister of Political and Security Affairs

Despite the hold on international assistance, Indonesia has intensified its own firefighting operations, particularly in the regions of Sumatra and Kalimantan. The Indonesian Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni reported that 26 water-bombing operations had been conducted in the Perlu River and Rengas Bay areas, although six water-bombing helicopters available in Central Kalimantan had not yet operated due to limited visibility at Tjilik Riwut Airport. He added that priority was given to areas like Tanjung Puting National Park, which is crucial for orangutan conservation.

Malaysia's offer was initially made during a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on September 18, 2026. President Prabowo welcomed the offer and acknowledged the importance of international support, noting that the environmental issues stemming from these fires affect neighboring countries as well.

“This is an environmental issue that impacts many parties.”Prabowo Subianto, President of Indonesia

In light of the ongoing crisis, Malaysia has also proposed a cooperative framework within ASEAN to enhance joint efforts against forest and land fires, aiming to strengthen coordination and preparedness among member states.