Army Helicopter Crashes During Central Kalimantan Forest Fire Mission
An Indonesian Army MI-17V5 helicopter crashed during a water-bombing mission to combat forest fires in Seruyan, Central Kalimantan, resulting in casualties.
Portal Islam 
This article was first published in Indonesian. Baca versi Bahasa Indonesia →
An MI-17V5 helicopter belonging to Puspenerbad (the Indonesian Army Aviation Center) suffered an accident and crashed while on duty to extinguish forest and land fires (known locally as karhutla) over the waters of Seruyan Regency, Central Kalimantan Province, on Wednesday (Nov 4, 2026) at 09:55 Western Indonesia Time (WIB, UTC+7). The aircraft, which was carrying out a water-bombing mission, went down near the Tanjung Puting National Park area while attempting to suppress active hotspots.
This incident has brought profound sorrow to the Indonesian Army and the wider public, with several Puspenerbad personnel reported to have fallen in the line of duty during this humanitarian mission. Reports regarding the exact number of casualties and the evacuation process continue to be updated by various official authorities as of Thursday (Nov 5, 2026).
Chronology and Suspected Technical Malfunction
According to a report by CNN Indonesia citing Central Kalimantan Police Public Relations Head Commissioner Budi Rachmat, the Mi-17 helicopter had departed from Kuala Pembuang on Wednesday (Nov 4, 2026) at approximately 09:55 WIB. The aircraft was flying the Kuala Pembuang–Telaga Pulang–Kuala Pembuang route for an aerial firefighting operation.
However, while scooping water to support the suppression efforts, the helicopter is suspected to have experienced a technical failure. The crash site is located in the waters of Sungai Perlu Village, Danau Sembuluh District, Seruyan Regency, Central Kalimantan.
Personnel Manifest and Evacuation Efforts
As reported by CNN Indonesia, preliminary data indicates there were eight personnel on board the Puspenerbad MI-17V5 helicopter. The eight personnel are:
- Major Cpn Dudi
- Captain Cpn Febri
- First Lieutenant Cpn Hafiz
- Captain Cpn Suganda
- First Lieutenant Cpn Fercis
- Private First Class Gilang
- Sergeant Sardi
- Staff Sergeant Kadiya
Rescue operations were initiated immediately by a joint team upon receiving news of the crash. A registration code PK-DAP helicopter belonging to the Ministry of Forestry, which was also engaged in water bombing, became one of the first units to provide assistance. This response followed radio communications received from a Puspenerbad Bell 412 helicopter.
On Wednesday (Nov 4, 2026) afternoon, four of the eight personnel were successfully lifted from the water using a bucket carried by the PK-DAP helicopter. These four crew members were then transferred using the Puspenerbad Bell 412 helicopter to Kuala Pembuang Airport before being referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Following the initial rescue, the PK-DAP helicopter was forced to return to base due to dwindling fuel supplies. Subsequent rescue information was relayed to the ground team in Kuala Pembuang. Meanwhile, the remaining four crew members were evacuated via air and sea routes involving a joint team with support from a Kamov helicopter.
Commissioner Budi Rachmat emphasized that the rescue of the personnel remained the primary priority for the field teams. CNN Indonesia's report also noted that limited communication networks around the accident site constituted a major obstacle in transmitting up-to-date information.
"The main priority right now is to rescue the personnel inside the helicopter,"
Commissioner Budi Rachmat (Central Kalimantan Police Public Relations Head)
Updates and Discrepancies in Casualty Reports
Discrepancies have emerged among media outlets regarding the exact number of personnel who died in the accident, reflecting evolving data from the field:
- Republika Report: Based on a report published on Thursday (Nov 5, 2026) at 08:22 WIB, Military Area Command (Kodam) XXII/Tambun Bungai Commander Major General Zainul Arifin confirmed that three Puspenerbad personnel passed away during the firefighting mission around the Tanjung Puting National Park area.
- ANTARA Report: According to news from Thursday (Nov 5, 2026) at 08:07 WIB, Kodam XXII/Tambun Bungai Commander Major General TNI Zainul Arifin stated that two individuals were confirmed dead as a result of the helicopter crash.
- CNN Indonesia Report: Citing a press release from Army Information Service Head (Kadispenad) Brigadier General TNI Donny Pramono received on Wednesday (Nov 4, 2026) afternoon, one crew member was found dead and evacuated to the Kuala Pembuang Hospital. Five individuals were found safe and are receiving treatment at the same hospital, while two other crew members were still undergoing evacuation at the time.
Central Kalimantan Under the Spotlight for Firefighting Operations
This firefighting helicopter crash occurred amid intensive emergency responses to severe forest fires across Kalimantan. According to ANTARA, Central Kalimantan and South Sumatra provinces are currently primary areas of concern for the government in handling the karhutla emergency.
This situation follows a significant surge in the number of hotspots and burned land area across both regions. Karhutla disasters frequently pose severe threats to aviation safety and public health, mirroring the widespread impact of acute respiratory infections (ARI) caused by forest fires across various districts.
This aviation accident during operational duties adds to the grief of the aviation community, following other recent aviation incidents such as the helicopter crash that claimed multiple lives.
Sympathy and Prayers for the Fallen Soldiers
The sacrifice of the Puspenerbad soldiers fighting on the front lines to extinguish the flames and protect the environment and local communities is a noble endeavor and form of service. The high risks they faced across water and forest terrain demonstrate their sincerity in fulfilling state and humanitarian duties.
The departure of these fine soldiers in the line of duty brings profound sorrow to the entire nation. May all the good deeds, hard work, and sincere intentions of the victims be recorded as acts of worship by Allah, and may the bereaved families be granted steadfastness, patience, and strength.
