Prabowo Vows Continued Investigation into Corporations Behind Forest Fires

President Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia has announced a continued crackdown on corporations to prevent forest and land fires (Karhutla), particularly in peatland areas. He emphasized that the government will continue to investigate corporations that intentionally engage in arson. Speaking at a discussion with academics from various research institutions and universities at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Thursday (24/9), Prabowo stated in a video uploaded to YouTube on Friday (25/9), "We will continue to investigate corporations that intentionally commit arson. First, we must correct the regulations. We must be firm." The president highlighted concerns about existing local regulations in some regencies that permit land burning of up to two hectares. He noted that such provisions could create loopholes that hinder control efforts if fires spread. "There are eight regional regulations at the regency level. Imagine the loophole that allows burning two hectares, which to me is complete nonsense that one person can burn two hectares," he remarked. Furthermore, the government plans to strengthen education by deploying personnel from the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and potentially the National Police (Polri) to affected regions. Prabowo mentioned he has instructed the deployment of a thousand officers, including majors, lieutenant colonels, and colonels, to these regencies to provide education. This initiative aims to enable communities to manage their land and improve their livelihoods without resorting to burning. The president also indicated that the government would provide solutions, including land and necessary support facilities. "I have already provided the solution. If you need land, report it, we will prepare land for you. We will prepare pumps for you," he stated. Additionally, Prabowo stressed that corporations have regulatory obligations, including the provision of watchtowers, water reservoirs (embung), and fire-fighting teams composed of their employees. "Every 5 hectares must have a watchtower, every certain hectares must have a reservoir, and you must have a fire-fighting team from your employees. The regulations are already in place," the president pointed out.