JAKARTA, Aug. 3, 2025
Two individuals have been apprehended by Indonesian police in Riau Province in connection wiht a wildfire that scorched 1.5 hectares of land. Authorities stated that the arrests stem from accusations of deliberately setting fires in two separate locations, a serious offense with perhaps severe penalties.
- Two suspects arrested for wildfires in Riau.
- Fires occurred in Rangsang and Tebing tinggi Barat districts.
- Suspects allegedly set fires to clear land for plantations.
- Charges carry a maximum 15-year prison sentence.
- Riau police have investigated 44 forestry crime cases this year.
The examination into these wildfires highlights a broader trend. Riau Regional Police have revealed a total of 44 forestry crime cases involving burning and illegal logging this year, resulting in 2,225 hectares of damaged forest land. Riau Police Chief Inspector General Herry reported on July 9, 2025, that 46 people have been arrested for these crimes, with a common motive being land clearing for oil palm plantations.
Suspects accused of Deliberately Starting Fires
One arrest occurred in Jalan Wanawijaya, Tanjung Medang Village, Rangsang District. A woman, identified as HR, confessed to starting a fire with dried coconut fronds on July 24, 2025. According to Meranti Islands Police Chief Adjunct Senior Commissioner Aldi Alfa Furoqi,she “set the fire during the day and then left the scene.” The blaze later spread, consuming 0.5 hectares.Police recovered a machete, matches, dried coconut fronds, and burnt grass from the scene.
The second suspect, identified as H, was apprehended in Tenan Village, Tebing Tinggi Barat District. Authorities allege H set fire to his land on July 29, 2025. This fire reportedly spread to engulf 1 hectare of land. Residents initially alerted authorities after hearing a distant explosion.
Evidence seized from H’s location included two machetes, matches, burnt wood, and plant seeds. “The suspect was arrested and probed at the Meranti Islands Police Station,” Furoqi stated.
Legal Ramifications for Arson
Both HR and H face charges under Article 78 paragraph (4) of Law No. 41 of 1999 concerning Forestry, as amended by Law No. 6 of 2023 concerning Job Creation. They are also charged under Article 187 or Article 188 of the Criminal Code. Conviction could result in a maximum prison sentence of 15 years.
Inspector General Herry added that his team has handled 17 wildfire cases with 22 suspects,leading to approximately 66 hectares of forest damage. Beyond wildfires, police have addressed 27 illegal logging reports, arresting 24 suspects and documenting 2,225 hectares of forest damage.
reader question:-Indonesia’s forestry laws carry critically importent penalties for arson, including up to 15 years imprisonment. Enforcement remains a key challenge.
What measures are most effective in preventing land-clearing fires in regions like Riau?
Share your thoughts on how to combat these environmental crimes.
