South Sumatra addresses forest fires through technology and criminal probes

Authorities in South Sumatra are addressing forest and land fires (karhutla) through both technological innovation and criminal investigations. Governor Herman Deru and Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Dudung Abdurachman recently inspected a trial of Realiza, a Brazilian technology designed to combat forest fires. The region is considered a potential hub for this technology due to its vast sugarcane plantations, which provide the necessary raw materials.

Simultaneously, the South Sumatra Police are investigating 16 corporations regarding land fires that have caused haze in the region. The Operational Director of PT RAS has been named a suspect following repeated fires within the company's concession in Ogan Komering Ilir. Fifteen other companies remain under investigation. Police are utilizing scientific crime investigation methods, involving environmental and soil experts to assist in the probe.