Indonesian Police Seize Lighters, Fuel in Forest Fire Investigation

Indonesian police have confiscated 35 lighters, fuel, cutting tools, and palm oil seedlings as part of their investigation into widespread forest and land fires across nine provinces. Brigadier General Mohammad Irhamni, Director of Specific Crimes, stated that the evidence strongly supports the assumption that the fires were deliberately set for land clearing purposes.

"The confiscated lighters are believed to have been used by perpetrators to start fires. This is clear evidence that these fires were indeed intentional," Irhamni said during a press conference in South Jakarta. Investigators also seized plastic bottles containing used engine oil and diesel fuel, along with two 10-liter plastic containers of diesel, two bottles of petrol, and one bottle of kerosene. Additionally, 21 machetes, two axes, hoes, a chainsaw, charcoal, burnt soil samples, and six palm oil seedlings were recovered.

Police suspect that perpetrators exploited the dry weather of the dry season to burn land, preparing it for cultivation before the rainy season. Observations indicate that some suspects cleared undergrowth three to four months prior to burning. This pattern of land preparation was detected in key regions including Riau, Jambi, West Kalimantan, South Kalimantan, and Central Kalimantan. The majority of detained suspects are farmers and temporary workers seeking to open new agricultural areas, particularly for crops like palm oil.

They opted for burning as a method because it is significantly cheaper than renting heavy machinery, which incurs high fuel costs. Beyond cost considerations, some perpetrators also believed that the ash from the fires would enrich the soil for planting. The investigation is ongoing to identify and prosecute all individuals involved in these destructive practices.

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The confiscated lighters are believed to have been used by perpetrators to start fires. This is clear evidence that these fires were indeed intentional.