Indonesia is fighting its worst wildfires in over a decade, and more than 400,000 people have already suffered respiratory problems. Australia has sent two aircraft to help put out the flames.

According to Indonesia’s disaster mitigation agency BNPB, Australia’s New South Wales Rural Fire Service dispatched a C‑130 Hercules and a Cessna Citation, scheduled to join the firefighting effort from 6 to 12 November. The two planes are expected to support water‑bombing missions across the affected islands.

Indonesia has been battling its most intense wildfires in 11 years, with large areas burning mainly on Sumatra, Borneo and Papua. The scale of the blaze has overwhelmed local resources and increased the risk of further spread.

Health Ministry data showed that over 400,000 acute respiratory infection cases were recorded in seven provinces as of 2 November. Doctors say the smoke from the fires is the main cause of the sudden rise in illnesses.

Australian Ambassador Roderick Bruce Brazier said the support includes a Large Air Tanker aircraft that can drop up to 15,000 litres of water per sortie, with an estimated capacity of up to six sorties per day. Meanwhile, a water‑bombing helicopter crashed in Central Kalimantan, killing one crew member and injuring five, according to a military statement.

The combination of severe health impacts and the need for extra firefighting capacity shows why international assistance matters. Australia’s air assets are a crucial part of Indonesia’s effort to protect public health and the environment.