Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has accepted Malaysia’s offer of assistance to combat ongoing forest and land fires in Kalimantan, underscoring the importance of continued cooperation between the two neighbors. The agreement was reached during a meeting on Friday in Hambalang, Bogor, where Prabowo received Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Malaysia’s contribution includes one aircraft, three helicopters, and 52 firefighting personnel to support Indonesian efforts in containing the fires. Prabowo expressed gratitude for the aid, describing the situation as a severe and life-threatening challenge whose effects extend beyond Indonesia’s borders. He noted that other countries, including Japan, have also provided assistance in addressing the environmental crisis.

“Although it is a forest fire in Indonesia, the impact is felt by our neighbours. So, they want to help us and we accept it well,” Prabowo said in remarks shared on social media by Ahmad Zahid.

The discussions also covered broader bilateral issues. Prabowo stressed the need to avoid exaggerating disruptive matters that could affect the close relationship between the two nations, which share cultural and economic ties.

Ahmad Zahid, who holds the additional portfolio of Rural and Regional Development Minister, expressed satisfaction with the meeting, emphasizing that the visit aimed to enhance bilateral cooperation in disaster management, particularly related to forest fires. He highlighted ongoing efforts to develop preventive measures to reduce the recurrence of such fires in the future.

The DPM’s four-day working visit to Indonesia also included dialogues on collaboration in the halal industry and rural development, demonstrating a multifaceted approach to strengthening Malaysia-Indonesia relations.

Malaysia has previously deployed similar firefighting assistance during earlier haze episodes, and the new support is expected to be mobilized soon. Both governments reaffirmed their commitment to address the cross-border environmental challenges collectively and to maintain their historically close “brotherly” ties.