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| 51 Suspects Arrested for Setting Forest Fires in Riau to Clear Land for Palm Oil Plantations. |
Riau, Indonesia – Police in Riau have uncovered a disturbing pattern behind the ongoing forest and land fires (karhutla) plaguing the province. Authorities revealed that 51 individuals have been named as suspects in connection with 41 separate fire-related cases.
According to Riau Police Public Relations Chief Kombes Pol. Anom Karabianto, the suspects intentionally set fire to forest areas to clear land for palm oil plantations, a practice that is both illegal and environmentally destructive.
"Their method is burning the forest to open land for palm oil plantations," said Anom on Monday (July 28, 2025).
Who Are the Suspects?
The 51 suspects come from various backgrounds, including landowners, laborers, and individuals who hired others to commit the act. The common motive among them is financial gain through illegal land clearing practices.
What Is the Modus Operandi?
The main tactic is setting fire to forests to quickly clear land. Compared to mechanical or manual clearing, burning is cheaper and faster—though extremely harmful to the environment. It results in thick haze, respiratory problems, and long-term ecological damage.
Where Did It Happen?
These illegal fires were found across multiple areas in Riau, including Pelalawan, Siak, Indragiri Hulu, and Rokan Hilir—locations long known for recurring wildfires, especially during the dry season.
When Was It Uncovered?
Riau Police began intensifying investigations in early 2025, with most cases surfacing between June and July—the peak of the dry season. Special task forces were deployed to identify and apprehend those responsible.
Why Are People Still Burning Forests?
The answer is simple: profit. Many view burning as the quickest way to prepare land for palm oil cultivation. Unfortunately, this practice not only violates environmental laws but also causes massive public health and climate problems.
How Are the Suspects Being Prosecuted?
Riau Police have committed to strict legal actions against all involved. The suspects are being charged under multiple Indonesian laws, including:
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For illegal deforestation:
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Article 78(2) of the Forestry Law (amended by Article 36(19) of the Job Creation Law)
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Article 92(1)(a) of Law No. 18 of 2013 on the Prevention and Eradication of Forest Destruction (amended by Article 37(16)(1)(b) of Law No. 6 of 2023)
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For arson-related crimes:
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Article 50(3)(d) Jo Article 78(3) of the Forestry Law
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Article 56(1) Jo Article 108 of the Plantation Law
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Article 108 of the Environmental Protection and Management Law (PPLH)
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Articles 187 and 188 of the Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHP)
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These articles carry harsh penalties, including long prison terms and heavy fines. Law enforcement hopes this serves as a deterrent to others considering the same illegal method.
What’s the Police’s Response?
Kombes Pol. Anom Karabianto emphasized that the police are not backing down. “We will continue monitoring and taking firm actions. Every report from the public will be followed up quickly,” he stated.
The police have also urged the public—especially landowners—to avoid any use of fire in land clearing. Legal consequences will be enforced with zero tolerance.
What Are the Prevention Measures?
To stop forest fires before they start, authorities are ramping up public education, patrols, and real-time satellite monitoring of fire-prone regions. Campaigns are being held to increase awareness among rural communities about the dangers and legal risks of slash-and-burn practices.
The Riau forest fire cases highlight the urgent need for stronger law enforcement and environmental awareness. With 51 suspects already in custody for deliberately burning land, the police are sending a clear message: burning forests for palm oil is a serious crime.
As forest destruction continues to threaten air quality, biodiversity, and the climate, it’s crucial that we support efforts to protect Indonesia’s forests—not just for today, but for future generations.
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