Enviro News Asia, Probolinggo — Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry has deployed fire experts and academics to investigate the cause of a recent forest fire in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park and examine potential criminal violations.
The investigation aims to establish the circumstances behind the fire and determine whether any unlawful activities contributed to the incident. The Ministry said field verification would rely on scientific evidence to strengthen the legal process.
Director General of Forestry Law Enforcement Dwi Januanto Nugroho said protecting conservation areas requires cooperation among government institutions, park managers, local communities, volunteers and other stakeholders.
“The fire in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park is a serious concern because the area has significant ecological, social and public value,” Januanto said in Probolinggo on September 13.
The Ministry has established a special team to conduct a comprehensive assessment covering fire control, identification of the causes and potential legal action if violations are found.
Januanto also praised firefighters, conservation-area managers, communities and volunteers who have worked to protect the national park.
The investigation has been strengthened by the involvement of two experts: Prof. Bambang Hero Saharjo, a forest and land fire specialist, and Prof. Basuki Wasis, an expert in soil and environmental damage.
The experts will assist authorities in conducting scientific assessments of the causes of the fire and its environmental impacts.
Investigators are collecting information on field conditions, fire patterns, activities around the affected areas and other factors associated with the incident. The information will then be verified against field evidence and relevant legal facts.
The Ministry said repeated fires in conservation areas could affect vegetation cover, ecological functions and public benefits that depend on the long-term sustainability of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park.
Aswin Bangun, Head of the Forestry Law Enforcement Office for Java, Bali and Nusa Tenggara, said investigators were continuing to examine information gathered from the field to build a comprehensive case based on evidence and scientific analysis.
“We are still investigating various information obtained in the field, including site examinations, collection of statements and analysis of the facts identified. The process is being conducted carefully so that any legal action has a strong and accountable basis,” Aswin said.
The Ministry said it would continue strengthening conservation-area protection through prevention, monitoring, stakeholder collaboration and evidence-based law enforcement.
The investigation into the Bromo fire will continue until authorities establish the causes of the incident and determine whether there is sufficient evidence to pursue legal action.
The government said the investigation is also intended to ensure that the ecological functions of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park remain protected and that its benefits continue to be available to the public. (*)
