Southeast Sulawesi Police name suspect in 80-hectare forest fire

The Southeast Sulawesi Regional Police and the Kolaka Timur Police have named a suspect, identified by the initials AN, for allegedly burning approximately 80 hectares of land in a limited production forest area. The incident occurred in Wesalo Village, Lalolae District, Kolaka Timur.

According to Kombes Pol. Wisnu Wibowo, Director of Special Criminal Investigation of the Southeast Sulawesi Regional Police, the investigation was supported by witness testimony and video analysis. Two witnesses reported seeing AN performing the burning, and the suspect reportedly admitted to using a lighter to burn bamboo, which then spread to surrounding grass.

The suspect acted on his own initiative. He faces charges under Law Number 41 of 1999 concerning Forestry, as amended by the Job Creation Law.