Indonesia is investigating 98 cases involving companies linked to recent forest and land fires, with some of these firms reportedly having connections to foreign parties, including those from neighboring countries, officials said on October 19. The investigations, led by the National Police, are ongoing as authorities work to collect evidence and identify suspects who may be held accountable for the widespread blazes.
National Police Chief Suyudi Ario Seto disclosed that all cases have reached the investigation stage following a Cabinet meeting chaired by President Prabowo Subianto. While he confirmed the involvement of foreign entities, he declined to specify which countries or companies were implicated, citing the ongoing nature of the inquiries. Authorities plan to soon name suspects, potentially including company owners and shareholders connected to the corporate entities under scrutiny.
Separately, Indonesia's Forestry Ministry reported that it had issued administrative sanctions against 32 companies, an increase from 26 firms previously penalized, for their roles in fires that have affected 12,926.74 hectares of land.
Discussions are also underway regarding firefighting assistance from Singapore, government officials said. Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Dudung Abdurachman confirmed that Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) is in talks with Singapore following an offer of support involving three aircraft and 52 personnel, though specific arrangements have yet to be finalized.
Malaysia has similarly offered aid, with Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announcing the provision of a Bombardier CL-415MP aircraft, three helicopters, and 50 personnel. However, deployment of Malaysian assistance is pending Indonesia’s formal approval.
Defending the Indonesian government’s response to the fires, Dudung emphasized that authorities have mobilized approximately 60,000 personnel and 47 aircraft in firefighting operations. He highlighted the particular challenges of addressing fires on peatland, a terrain vulnerable to intense and persistent blazes, and urged public understanding of the difficulties involved.
President Prabowo has ordered an expanded deployment of military, police, and forestry personnel alongside aerial firefighting efforts, including the use of Hercules aircraft. Additionally, firms and their security teams have been directed to enhance preventive measures such as constructing bore wells and water storage facilities in fire-prone areas.
Acknowledging the recurring nature of Indonesia’s forest fires, Prabowo stressed the importance of early prevention. “Do not wait for the rain to fall. Take action immediately,” Dudung quoted the president after the Cabinet meeting, underscoring the necessity of proactive rather than reactive fire management to mitigate future outbreaks.