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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Environment & Climate

25 Hectares of Land Burned, Ministry Seals Corporate Area in South Sumatra

From Republika · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • Indonesia's Ministry of Forestry has sealed a forest utilization permit area belonging to a corporation in South Sumatra after a fire destroyed approximately 25 hectares of production forest.
  • The sealing is part of an investigation into the source and cause of the fire, which began on July 26, 2026.
  • The ministry warned all permit holders that protecting their areas is a business responsibility and that legal action will be taken if intent or negligence is found.

Indonesia's Ministry of Forestry has taken action by sealing a forest utilization permit area (PBPH) in Musi Banyuasin, South Sumatra, following a fire that ravaged about 25 hectares of production forest. The measure is intended to support an ongoing investigation into the origin and cause of the blaze, which started on July 26, 2026.

Every company must ensure its area is guarded, prevention systems are operational, and fire potential is handled early. Do not wait for the fire to grow before acting.

— Dwi Januanto NugrohoThe Director General of Forestry Law Enforcement emphasized the responsibilities of permit holders in preventing and managing fires.

Director General of Forestry Law Enforcement (Gakkum) Dwi Januanto Nugroho highlighted the seriousness of the incident, particularly as it occurred within a permitted area during a period prone to forest fires. "Every company must ensure its area is guarded, prevention systems are operational, and fire potential is handled early. Do not wait for the fire to grow before acting," Nugroho stated on Thursday.

The ministry plans to thoroughly investigate the fire's cause and verify the permit holder's compliance with forest protection and fire control obligations. If evidence points to intentional acts, negligence, or non-compliance leading to the fire, legal proceedings will be initiated. Nugroho emphasized this as a warning to all permit holders, stressing that safeguarding their operational areas is a fundamental responsibility in forestry businesses.

This is a warning to all permit holders that guarding and protecting their work areas is part of the responsibility of forestry business.

— Dwi Januanto NugrohoThe Director General of Forestry Law Enforcement stressed the accountability of companies in managing their forest areas.

The fire, located in the KPH Lalan Mendis area, was initially managed by Manggala Agni Daops South Sumatra. Subsequent verification by the Sumatra Forestry Law Enforcement Center (Balai Gakkum) indicated that the fire likely originated from oil palm and areca nut plantations within the forest area covered by the PBPH. The investigation is ongoing, with interviews conducted with individuals allegedly managing the land and witnesses. The legal investigation will determine if the fire resulted from management negligence or other violations, guiding the ministry's further actions.

We will investigate the cause of this fire professionally to determine if there are criminal elements. If evidence of negligence or intent is found to have caused the forest fire, all responsible parties will be processed according to applicable laws and regulations.

— Hari NoviantoThe Head of the Sumatra Forestry Law Enforcement Region outlined the process for legal investigation and potential prosecution.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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