BNPB Water Bombing Helicopter Crashes in Barito River
A private water bombing helicopter contracted by BNPB crashed into the Barito River in South Kalimantan during wildfire firefighting operations.
Portal Islam 
This article was first published in Indonesian. Baca versi Bahasa Indonesia →
A private water bombing helicopter contracted by BNPB (Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency) crashed into the waters of the Barito River in Tabatan Village, Kuripan Subdistrict, Barito Kuala District, South Kalimantan, on Sunday (Nov 8, 2026). The Eurocopter EC225LP Super Puma helicopter, registered as VH-HGM, met with the accident while carrying out forest and land fire (karhutla) suppression operations.
Based on gathered information, the helicopter was carrying a flight crew of three, consisting of two foreign nationals and one Indonesian citizen. This helicopter crash during firefighting operations is currently being handled by relevant teams on standby in the field.
Chronology and Crew Condition
Quoting ANTARA, the helicopter with Manufacturer Serial Number (MSN) 2878 lost control while maneuvering after scooping water from the river using a bambi bucket device. Amateur video footage showed the aircraft initially scooping water before eventually plunging nose-first into the river.
Meanwhile, according to a CNN Indonesia report citing acting Head of the BNPB Center for Data, Information, and Communication on Disasters, Berton SP Panjaitan, the helicopter was seen descending slowly until its nose pointed toward the river and it crashed shortly after the water was lifted. The identities of the three crew members on board were Michael John Betterridge from Australia, Hugh Andrew John Page from New Zealand, and Yayan from Indonesia.
Regarding the condition of the flight crew, there were differing accounts among the media reports providing updates to BNPB:
- ANTARA Report: Based on preliminary reports received by BNPB, all three helicopter crew members were confirmed safe.
- CNN Indonesia Report: Up to the news update at 3:30 PM WIB (UTC+7), Berton SP Panjaitan stated that only two foreign crew members had been successfully evacuated safely.
Investigation and BNPB Response
The exact cause of the helicopter crash remains unknown as they are still awaiting the results of an investigation by the team at the scene. Head of BNPB Lieutenant General Kristomei Sianturi stated that he had received preliminary reports regarding the incident. According to ANTARA and CNN Indonesia reports, the Head of BNPB has instructed the relevant teams to compile a complete report on the chronology of the event and the progress of handling operations in the field.
Aerial firefighting missions carry a high level of risk, similar to the recurring dynamics of disaster management such as the forest firefighting response incident in Kalimantan.
Islamic Perspective: Humanitarianism and Personnel Bravery
Wildfire mitigation efforts represent a genuine endeavor in preserving the environment and protecting the safety of the wider community from the dangers of smoke and natural degradation. The bravery of the flight crew and disaster management teams risking their lives in the field deserves to be appreciated with prayers and preparedness, in order to achieve collective benefit and the preservation of human life.
