Indonesian authorities have arrested more than 100 individuals nationwide on arson charges as wildfires continue to spread across the country, raising concerns about the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts in addressing the root causes of the blazes.
In the province of Riau, police have identified 49 suspects linked to 45 separate cases of alleged arson responsible for burning nearly 3,000 hectares of forest. Riau remains a hotspot for wildfires, with active fires ongoing at 10 sites. Since the beginning of 2026, more than 19,000 hectares of forest have been destroyed by fire in the region alone. Ade Kuncoro Ridwan, the director of special crimes at Riau police, confirmed that investigations aim to identify both the sources and the individuals responsible, with legal action pursued when evidence warrants it. Preventive measures such as routine patrols, early detection, and public outreach about bans on land clearing by fire are being carried out simultaneously.
Similarly, in Central Kalimantan, authorities have named 25 suspects in connection with 62 arson cases amid continuing haze caused by widespread fires. Central Kalimantan police chief Iwan Kurniawan emphasized that law enforcement is a key element in deterring future fire outbreaks. Investigations include forensic analyses to trace the origins and spread of fires, while efforts are underway to determine possible corporate involvement. Currently, four companies are under scrutiny in Central Kalimantan.
Nationally, Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo stated that 138 suspects have been named across approximately 200 cases related to forest and land fires throughout Indonesia, with 119 accused of deliberately starting fires and 19 linked to negligence. The number of suspects may grow as investigations continue. Beyond individuals, eight companies are facing legal action related to fires, and authorities are probing 60 companies whose permits were recently suspended or revoked due to fire-related offenses.
The scale of the wildfires in 2026 is significant, with more than 202,000 hectares burned across 36 out of 38 provinces, according to the Forestry Ministry. West Kalimantan has been the hardest hit with 38,300 hectares affected, followed by South Papua, East Nusa Tenggara, West Nusa Tenggara, and Riau. The resulting haze has extended beyond Indonesia, affecting neighboring countries such as the Philippines, where health warnings have been issued.
Despite the arrests and ongoing investigations, environmental groups warn that the focus on individuals who physically set fires may overlook broader systemic issues. Greenpeace Indonesia highlighted a historical enforcement gap between prosecuting individuals and holding companies accountable. Belgis Habiba, a campaigns director at Greenpeace, noted that from 2015 to 2019, around 30% of burned land was within oil palm and pulpwood concessions, yet only a few companies faced sanctions.
Habiba cautioned that addressing only those who ignite fires without scrutinizing land management practices, peatland drainage, permit holders’ responsibilities, and who ultimately benefits from the burned land risks leaving underlying problems unresolved. She characterized current enforcement as “cutting off the branches while leaving the roots untouched,” underscoring the complexity of combating Indonesia’s persistent wildfire crisis.