Indonesia Deploys 'Flying Bucket' Helicopter to Battle Wildfires Near New Capital

**Jakarta, Indonesia** – Indonesia’s Air Force has scrambled a heavy-lift Caracal helicopter, fitted with a giant water bucket, to fight forest and land fires threatening the vicinity of Nusantara, the nation’s future capital. The aircraft, a European-made H225M Caracal, is conducting aerial water bombing sorties over the affected areas. The helicopter dips its suspended bucket into nearby water sources, then releases the load directly onto the flames. This deployment comes as dry-season fires have produced thick haze, raising health and visibility concerns around the construction site of the new government center. The operation is part of a broader emergency response to contain the spread before winds worsen the situation. The Air Force statement confirmed the unit is working in coordination with ground crews to extinguish hot spots. Officials say the Caracal’s speed and payload capacity make it a critical asset for reaching rugged terrain that fire trucks cannot access.