# Indonesian authorities investigate illegal forest fires > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/indonesian-authorities-investigate-illegal-forest-fires > Updated: 2026-09-13T02:35:21.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2. Authorities in Indonesia have identified suspects in connection with illegal land clearing and forest fires in different regions. In Bengkalis, Riau, police named two suspects following investigations into forest and land fires. One individual, identified as JFP, was caught fertilizing and spraying palm oil plants in a 4-hectare protected production forest in the Pinggir district. A second suspect, YS, was identified in the Mandau district after investigations into fire spots in July revealed unauthorized palm oil seedling planting within a forest zone. In Southeast Sulawesi, police named a suspect, identified as AN, for allegedly burning approximately 80 hectares of land in a production forest area in Kolaka Timur. Investigations involving witness testimony and video analysis suggest the suspect used a lighter to burn bamboo, which subsequently spread to surrounding grass. The suspect faces charges under forestry laws. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-13: Southeast Sulawesi Police name suspect in 80-hectare forest fire Police in Southeast Sulawesi have named a suspect for allegedly burning 80 hectares of limited production forest in Kolaka Timur, Indonesia. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/southeast-sulawesi-police-name-suspect-in-80-hectare-forest-fire ### 2026-08-29: Bengkalis Police name suspects for illegal palm oil farming in forest areas Police in Bengkalis, Riau, have named suspects for illegal palm oil cultivation and land clearing in protected forest areas following recent forest fires. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bengkalis-police-name-suspects-for-illegal-palm-oil-farming-in-forest-areas --- Cite as: Indonesian authorities investigate illegal forest fires. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/indonesian-authorities-investigate-illegal-forest-fires