Kabareskrim, Komjen Pol Asep Safrudin, and Head of the Polri Public Information Bureau, Brigjen Pol Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko, during a press conference on law enforcement regarding forest and land fires in Pontianak.

progresifjaya.co.id, PONTIANAK – The Criminal Investigation Agency of the Indonesian National Police (Bareskrim Polri) has named 245 individuals and 20 corporations as suspects in cases involving forest and land fires across various regions in Indonesia. This was announced during a press conference on law enforcement regarding forest and land fires, led by the Head of Bareskrim Polri, Komjen Pol Asep Safrudin, at the Polda of West Kalimantan headquarters in Pontianak on Thursday, October 29, 2026.

Komjen Pol Asep Safrudin emphasized, that law enforcement is being carried out firmly and objectively against any party—whether an individual or a corporation—proven responsible for forest and land fires.

“The Polribwill not tolerate forest and land fires—whether caused intentionally or through negligence—that result in environmental damage and losses for the public. Law enforcement is conducted based on evidence gathered through ‘Scientific Crime Investigation’ methods, in accordance with applicable legal provisions,” he asserted.

Regarding cases involving individuals, the Polri have recorded 287 police reports, with a total burned area reaching 5.859,12 hectares. The Polda of West Kalimantan recorded the highest number of reports with 68, followed by the Polda of Riau with 59 and the Polda of Central Kalimantan with 43.

Meanwhile, cases involving corporations account for 104 police reports, covering a burned area of ​​29.168,78 hectares. Of the 20 corporations named as suspects, four are foreign-invested companies, while the remaining 16 are domestic companies. Investigators from the Bareskrim Polri have recommended the revocation of business licenses for 23 corporations.

This recommendation is based on investigation findings and several key indicators, including recurring fires, the origin of fires within concession areas, and inadequate facilities and infrastructure for forest and land fire suppression.

Brigjen Pol Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko, Head of the Public Information Bureau of the Polri’s Public Relations Division explained, that addressing forest and land fires requires the involvement of all stakeholders—from law enforcement to prevention efforts at the community level.

The presence of the Kabareskrim in West Kalimantan serves as a follow-up to the Kapolri’s directive to directly assess conditions on the ground and ensure that the handling of these cases is progressing.

“Addressing forest and land fires is a collective responsibility. The Polri doesn’t merely focus on law enforcement; we also promote preventive measures through education and community engagement, supported by various ministries, government agencies, local governments, the TNI, and all other relevant stakeholders. We want prevention efforts to go hand-in-hand with enforcement so that such incidents do not keep recurring,” stated Brigjen Pol Trunoyudo in Pontianak.

To support the response to forest and land fires, the Polri has deployed 1.000 additional personnel (BKO) from various units, including the Mobile Brigade Corps (Brimob), alongside 403 personnel dedicated to public education on fire prevention. The National Police is also providing medical support for affected communities and personnel working in the field.

Furthermore, the Polri urges the public to refrain from clearing land by burning it and encourages all segments of society to play an active role in protecting the environment.

The handling of forest and land fire cases—involving both individuals and corporations—will continue to be developed based on investigative findings and evidence, in accordance with applicable laws. (Bembo)