JAKARTA, Oct 22 (Bernama) — Indonesian authorities have identified 11 corporations as suspects in investigations into forest and land fires, including three companies with foreign investment, as the government steps up enforcement against businesses linked to the incidents.
National Police Chief General Suyudi Ario Seto said investigations were progressing, with authorities examining potential liability beyond the corporations to include their owners and shareholders.
He said individuals associated with the companies could also face accountability if evidence established their involvement in the alleged offences.
The latest development follows an announcement by the National Police’s Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) that 98 police reports involving forest fires linked to corporations had been elevated to the formal investigation stage.
Meanwhile, the Forestry Ministry has taken administrative action against additional companies operating in areas affected by fires.
Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni said the operating permits of six companies in Central Kalimantan had been suspended, bringing the total number of forestry companies sanctioned to 32.
The companies are PT Produk Kalimantan Jaya, PT Taiyong Engreen, PT Hutan Produk Lestari, PT Ramang Agro Lestari, PT Puspa Warna Cemerlang and PT Sinergi Hutan Sejati.
Their concessions span a combined 201,391 hectares, of which 7,531 hectares were affected by recent fires.
With the latest action, the ministry’s sanctions cover more than 1.9 million hectares of forestry concessions, including 18,489 hectares affected by fires.
Raja Juli said the companies could face additional criminal proceedings if investigations uncovered evidence of deliberate wrongdoing or criminal intent.
