Enviro News Asia, West Kalimantan — Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment and Environmental Control Agency (KLH/BPLH) has deployed hundreds of environmental inspectors to investigate 42 companies suspected of being linked to land fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan.
The operation was ordered by Minister of Environment and Head of BPLH Moh Jumhur Hidayat as the government intensifies efforts to control forest and land fires and hold businesses accountable for environmental damage.
Deputy for Environmental Law Enforcement at KLH/BPLH Rizal Irawan said the inspectors were tasked with determining the sources of fires, assessing affected areas, investigating links between fires and business activities, and collecting evidence for potential legal action.
“We are responding quickly to these incidents by deploying Environmental Inspectors to ensure that every case is investigated seriously and comprehensively,” Rizal said.
The investigation will not only examine the locations and extent of burned areas but also assess whether companies have fulfilled their legal obligations to prevent and control forest and land fires.
KLH/BPLH said 42 companies had been identified through initial monitoring as potentially associated with fire hotspots. The companies are currently subject to further examination based on field findings, supporting data, analytical results and applicable regulations.
As part of the enforcement operation, environmental inspectors on August 27, 2026, sealed an area belonging to PT Sinar Karya Mandiri in Ketapang Regency, West Kalimantan.
The sealing followed field inspections and satellite imagery analysis conducted as of August 18. Initial investigations estimated that approximately 1,500 hectares of land had been affected by fires, with much of the area covered by shrubs. The affected land is characterized by peat and alluvial soils, which are highly vulnerable to fire.
Inspectors also found fire hotspots and smoke in several locations during their field investigation. KLH/BPLH said the findings raised serious concerns over potential environmental pollution and damage, as well as possible negligence and failure by the company to fulfill its obligations to prevent and control forest and land fires.
Rizal said enforcement measures would be determined proportionally based on the size of the burned area, environmental impacts, severity of violations and the results of investigations.
For fires covering less than 100 hectares, companies found to have violated regulations may face administrative fines and sanctions requiring land restoration. For fires covering more than 100 hectares where violations are established, enforcement may proceed through criminal and civil legal mechanisms.
Rizal also warned that repeated violations could lead to criminal enforcement regardless of the size of the burned area.
KLH/BPLH said layered environmental monitoring and enforcement would continue on an ongoing basis. The government emphasized a zero-tolerance approach toward corporations and businesses that deliberately burn land or fail to prevent fires resulting in environmental pollution and damage.
The investigation into the 42 companies is expected to provide the basis for determining further administrative, civil or criminal measures in accordance with the findings and applicable environmental laws. (*)
