Indonesia processes 42 forest fire cases, sanctions six companies amid haze crisis

Indonesia's forestry ministry is pursuing legal action in 42 forest and land fire cases as the government intensifies its crackdown on the environmental crisis. The Directorate General of Law Enforcement (Gakkum) within the ministry is handling these cases, according to Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni.

While specific details on the individuals or locations involved remain undisclosed, the government has pledged to take action against all responsible parties. These cases are separate from the 72 suspects arrested by police in connection with 89 fire incidents across Kalimantan and Sumatra. The fires, exacerbated by an intensifying El Nino and a prolonged dry season, have contributed to haze affecting parts of Indonesia and Malaysia.

Beyond criminal proceedings, the ministry is also imposing administrative sanctions. Six companies holding Forest Utilisation Business Licence (PBPH) concessions have been penalized for fires covering over 1,500 hectares within their managed areas in Kalimantan. Identified by initials, these companies (PT WEL, PT FI, PT MPK, PT WSP, PT NES, and PT PSR) failed to adequately prevent and control fires.

Five of these companies must implement corrective measures, while PT MPK faces suspension of its business license due to extensive and recurring fires. The sanctions mandate improvements in fire preparedness, including enhanced firefighting capabilities, water resources, and early detection systems. Companies are also required to restore vegetation, particularly in peatland areas, by managing water levels and rewetting the soil to mitigate carbon emissions.

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The ministry’s Directorate General of Law Enforcement (Gakkum) is handling the cases