The Aussies will deploy to Sumatra ahead of a L-100 Hercules aircraft and a smaller, assistance aircraft arriving on Tuesday or Wednesday.
Ambassador to Indonesia Paul Grigson says Australians understand the devastating impact bushfires can have, and Australia was happy to assist.
The L-100 Hercules can drop 15,000 litres water within seconds and is exactly what Indonesia needs, says Dr Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, from its National Disaster Management Authority.
Of 726 "hot spots" active in Sumatra, 613 are in the south, where the plane will be deployed, he says.
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Aircraft from Singapore and Malaysia have also joined the mission, but like the Australian team - on loan for seven days - their assistance is short-term.
"With such a huge area of fire, it's a challenge that the planes helping are not for the long-term," Dr Sutopo said.
Indonesia delayed accepting international help to douse the blazes from illegal land clearing.
The smoke has caused a health emergency, flight cancellations and school closures, not only in Indonesia but in neighbouring Singapore, Malaysia and beyond.
Indonesia is co-ordinating with Japan, Korea, China and Russia for further help.
