49 people named suspects in Riau forest and land fire cases

Riau police are handling 45 forest and land fire cases that have resulted in 49 suspects being named, with the affected area linked to those cases totaling 2,958.04 hectares.

The cases were recorded through Monday, September 7, 2026. Ade Kuncoro Ridwan, director of special criminal investigations at Riau police, said legal proceedings were continuing alongside prevention, firefighting and other responses across the province.

“Every forest and land fire incident showing indications of a criminal offense will be examined. Investigators trace the source of the fire, the cause of the blaze and the parties responsible,” Ade said. He added that cases would be processed when investigators had sufficient evidence and the criminal elements had been met.

Twenty-six cases remain under investigation, two have P19 status, and 17 have completed the second stage and been transferred to public prosecutors. Pelalawan, Indragiri Hilir and Bengkalis each recorded eight cases. Pelalawan had nine suspects and 2,502.6 hectares burned, while Bengkalis had nine suspects and 230.5 hectares. Indragiri Hilir had eight suspects and 22.5 hectares.

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Every forest and land fire incident showing indications of a criminal offense will be examined. Investigators trace the source of the fire, the cause of the blaze and the parties responsible. If sufficient evidence is found and the criminal elements are met, we will process the case according to the law.

Siak recorded four cases and five suspects, with three cases still under investigation and one reaching the second stage. The area linked to those cases totaled 48.39 hectares. Other cases were recorded in Kampar, Rokan Hilir, Indragiri Hulu, Kepulauan Meranti, Pekanbaru, Dumai and Rokan Hulu, while the provincial special crimes directorate handled one case involving two suspects.

Ade said enforcement would not be measured only by the number of cases or suspects. “What we ensure is that every case is handled professionally. Investigators must be able to prove the cause of the fire, the actions of the perpetrators and their legal accountability,” he said.

Police are also conducting patrols, early detection, public education and warnings against opening or clearing land by burning, particularly in peat areas where fires can spread and become difficult to control.

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What we ensure is that every case is handled professionally. Investigators must be able to prove the cause of the fire, the actions of the perpetrators and their legal accountability.