Indonesia Finally Accepts Malaysia's Aid to Combat Forest and Land Fires

Agreement Between the Two Countries

Acting Head of the BNPB's Data, Information, and Disaster Communication Center, Berton SP Panjaitan, explained that accepting foreign assistance to combat forest fires requires an agreement between both countries.

Berton said a bilateral agreement is necessary to ensure that aid delivered is effective in firefighting, especially concerning the use of airspace.

"The mechanisms, assistance forms, operational needs, including the use of aerial assets, must be coordinated and agreed upon first by both governments to ensure the assistance is truly effective and safe in the field," Berton said when confirmed by Kompas.com on Thursday (10/9/2026).

So far, Berton noted that BNPB highly appreciates Malaysia's readiness to help Indonesia manage forest fires.

"In principle, all international support is welcomed positively, provided it aligns with the needs on the ground and the applicable intergovernmental cooperation mechanisms," he said.

Berton added that BNPB would inform the Malaysian government about specific needs once an agreement is reached.

No Need for Pride

Regarding this assistance, Deputy Chair of Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Dave Laksono, emphasized that there should be no pride that prevents accepting help.

"There is no reason to view assistance from friendly countries as a matter of pride," Dave told Kompas.com on Friday (11/9/2026).

He explained that Malaysia's offer to assist in handling the forest fires deserves a positive reception.

In disaster situations, Dave said, the main priority is ensuring the fire is quickly controlled and minimizing impact on the public, including disruptions to flights due to haze.

"Indonesia has its own capabilities and resources, but support that can strengthen field operations is certainly welcome, as long as it matches our needs," he said.

Dave added that such cooperation is not new, as it was discussed in bilateral meetings in Bali on July 8, 2026, and in a telephone conversation on August 24, 2026.

"The important thing is that the entire process remains coordinated through the government, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, so that aid matches the on-ground needs and the mechanisms are clear," Dave said.