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2 clusters · 20 sources · 3 days · First seen · Last updated

Indonesian forest and land fire investigations

Overview

Indonesian authorities are investigating widespread forest and land fires in Kalimantan. Initially, the National Police confirmed approximately 12 suspects had been named by the Central Kalimantan Regional Police as investigations into the causes of the fires continued.

As the situation progressed, the scope of law enforcement expanded. The Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) of Polri increased the number of named suspects to 72 across nine regional police departments. The Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) Commission III expressed support for these efforts, advocating for a ‘follow the money’ approach to target the financiers and corporations behind the fires rather than focusing solely on field workers.

In addition to legal action, mitigation efforts have been implemented, including the construction of 1,296 reservoirs and 834 canal blocks in high-risk areas to prevent further outbreaks.

President Prabowo Subianto has since intensified the government response, particularly in Riau, South Sumatra, and West Kalimantan. He warned that business licenses would be revoked for corporations found to be involved in or failing to prevent fires. Investigations have uncovered a modus operandi where individuals allegedly pose as fishermen to access land for illegal burning on behalf of corporations. Consequently, the President has instructed the National Police and Intelligence Agency to target the ‘masterminds and financial backers’ of these activities.

In Riau, officials reported that approximately 15,000 hectares of the 16,000 hectares burned since January have been contained. To enhance firefighting, the President suggested researching the large-scale production of cassava-based flour as an innovative aerial fire suppressant. Additionally, the performance of regional military and police leaders in Riau will be considered for future promotions based on their success in resolving the crisis.

Entities

Indonesian National Police · Polri · Ministry of Forestry · Prabowo Subianto · Komisi III DPR RI

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

Coverage disagrees

Sources make claims that cannot both be true. CLSTR reports the disagreement; it does not decide who is right.

  • "Authorities have managed approximately 15,000 hectares of the burned land in Riau, leaving about 900 hectares remaining." news.okezone.com · www.viva.co.id

    vs

    "Approximately 16,277 hectares of land burned in Riau between January and August 2026." news.okezone.com · www.viva.co.id

    The total burned land reported in the first claim (16,277 hectares) does not match the sum of managed and remaining land in the second claim (15,900 hectares).

Timeline

  1. about 10 hours ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 11 sources
    Prabowo threatens to revoke corporate permits over land burning

    President Prabowo Subianto has threatened to revoke corporate permits for land burning and proposed using cassava-based flour as a fire suppressant to combat ongoing forest fires in Indonesia.

  2. 3 days ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 11 sources
    Indonesian Police investigate Kalimantan forest fires and mark Hari Juang Polri

    Indonesian Police Chief confirms arrests regarding Kalimantan forest fires while marking 'Hari Juang Polri' and reaffirming commitments to labor welfare and law enforcement.

Sources

antaranews.com · barbaraganz.blog.ilsole24ore.com · clovermedia.jp · cnbcindonesia.com · daerah.sindonews.com · dnaberita.com · en.tempo.co · jpnn.com · kabarpapua.co · m.jpnn.com · matamata.com · megapolitan.okezone.com · novagradiska.hr · okezone.com · pemilu2024.harianjogja.com · riaukepri.com · riliskalimantan.com · rmol.id · tabengan.com · viva.co.id

This summary has been updated 2 times: see revision history