Enviro News Asia, Jakarta – The Ministry of Forestry, through the Directorate General of Forest Law Enforcement (Ditjen Gakkumhut), reaffirmed its commitment to taking firm action against all parties responsible for the recent recurrence of forest fires in various regions of Indonesia.
To date, the Directorate General of Forest Law Enforcement has taken a series of decisive measures against those involved in forest burning.
A total of 10 corporations have had their land sealed and are under investigation. In addition, two companies have been subjected to administrative sanctions.
Eight non-corporate parties are undergoing the same process, and one non-corporate party has entered the investigation stage at Sultan Syarif Hasyim Grand Forest Park in Riau.
The sealing actions were carried out in several regions: in West Kalimantan against six entities (FWL, CMI, DAS, HKI, MTI, and UKIJ); in Riau against three entities (DRT, RUJ, SAU); in Jambi against one entity (SH); in South Sumatra against one entity (PML); and in Bangka Belitung against one entity (BRS).
According to law enforcement records, the distribution of cases by province includes seven cases in West Kalimantan, 10 cases in Riau, one case in Jambi, one case in South Sumatra, and one case in North Sumatra.
These figures illustrate the broad scope of enforcement operations and underscore the Ministry of Forestry’s determination to curb the activities of those responsible for forest burning across Indonesia.
Director General of Forest Law Enforcement at the Ministry of Forestry, Dwi Januanto, stated, “There is zero tolerance for forest burners. Anyone proven guilty will face legal action in accordance with the prevailing laws, without exception,” he said in an official statement from the Ministry of Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia, Saturday (August 9, 2025).
Dwi Januanto emphasized that forest fires not only damage ecosystems and destroy biodiversity but also cause significant economic losses.
On the other hand, forest fires threaten public health due to haze and increase carbon emissions, worsening global warming.
“Therefore, we consider strict law enforcement an absolute step to create a deterrent effect, protect natural resources, and ensure the sustainability of forests for future generations,” he said.
This legal action follows firefighting efforts through 1,689 field operations carried out by the Ministry of Forestry’s Manggala Agni in collaboration with the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), National Police, National Disaster Management Agency, local governments, and local communities. (*)
