Enviro News Asia, Riau — The central government has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the surge of forest and land fires (karhutla) once again threatening the Riau region.
Over the past week, the Riau Regional Police named 29 individuals as suspects in land burning activities that have scorched more than 213 hectares.
This enforcement brings the total number of suspects to 44 since the beginning of the year, with the affected area reaching 269 hectares.
The Ministry of Environment and Forestry and the Environmental Control Agency (KLH/BPLH) responded swiftly to this emergency with firm action on the ground.
Minister of Environment Hanif Faisol Nurofiq described the sudden spike in fire hotspots as a signal of weak oversight and poor compliance with burning prohibitions.
“This is no ordinary incident. The pattern of fire hotspots indicates organized activity. We must act firmly and collectively,” stated Minister Hanif.
As of July 20, 2025, data recorded 790 active hotspots, with 27 fires spread across Riau. The total burned area increased drastically from 546 hectares to approximately 1,000 hectares in just one day.
The majority of cases were detected in peatlands and limited production forest areas, including areas near Tesso Nilo National Park.
The suspects are spread across various regions: Kampar (7 individuals), Rokan Hilir (5), Indragiri Hulu (5), Kuantan Singingi (3), Rokan Hulu (3), and one each in Pelalawan, Dumai, Inhil, and Pekanbaru.
Evidence seized includes jerry cans filled with fuel, lighters, hoes, and burnt wood.
KLH/BPLH has also followed up with administrative sanctions against concession-holding companies that fail to meet fire prevention standards.
Companies such as RAPP, Sinar Mas Group, and PTPN IV have been ordered to provide canal blocks, fire extinguishing equipment, and to strengthen joint patrols with local communities.
To support firefighting efforts, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) deployed one water bombing helicopter, with three more units on the way.
Sinar Mas Group has also dispatched a helicopter to Rokan Hilir—the area with the highest number of hotspots.
Weather Modification Operations (OMC) are continuously being carried out by KLH/BPLH in collaboration with the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) to reduce the risk of fires on peatlands.
Local governments in 12 districts have declared alert status. However, challenging terrain and extreme weather conditions remain major obstacles.
Minister Hanif has urged local leaders, down to the village level, to strengthen monitoring and education, and to more actively mobilize community-based fire prevention groups.
“We will not tolerate this. Perpetrators of land burning—both individuals and corporations—will face criminal and administrative sanctions. This is not just a disaster; it is a crisis threatening our health, economy, and national reputation,” Hanif emphasized. (*)
