Indonesia names 72 suspects in forest fires, citing palm oil land clearing motive

Indonesian police have identified 72 suspects in connection with widespread forest and land fires (karhutla) in recent times, emphasizing that the blazes were not a result of climate change or the El Nino phenomenon. The National Police's Directorate of Cyber Crime (Bareskrim) stated that 89 police reports have been filed across nine provincial police departments.

“

These nine provincial police departments have carried out investigation and inquiry activities, with approximately 72 individual suspects having been named so far.

Moh. Irhamni, Director of Specific Crimes at Bareskrim, confirmed the arrests, noting that investigators found clear indications of intentional burning. "These nine provincial police departments have carried out investigation and inquiry activities, with approximately 72 individual suspects having been named so far," Irhamni said during a press conference. He asserted that the fires were deliberately set, contrary to natural causes.

“

As colleagues know, this is the dry season, making it very easy to start fires and then prepare for palm oil plantations during the rainy season.

Evidence gathered, including palm oil seedlings ready for planting, strongly suggests the fires were set to prepare land for future palm oil cultivation during the upcoming rainy season. "As colleagues know, this is the dry season, making it very easy to start fires and then prepare for palm oil plantations during the rainy season," Irhamni explained. Seized items also included lighters, used oil, diesel fuel, and various tools, all pointing towards a deliberate motive for land clearing.

“

From the evidence seized by investigators, it is very clear, of course, that the motive for the burning was land clearing.