Politics · Indonesia · 2 hrs ago
Indonesia Expands Forest Fire Response as 98 Corporate Cases Advance
President Prabowo Subianto ordered a broader response to forest and land fires in Indonesia at a meeting in Jakarta on Monday.
The plan adds Hercules aircraft to dry-ice operations that had used CASA planes, and companies have been told to build water reservoirs and drilled wells.
The government wants fires tackled before they spread, with the military and police mapping areas at risk.
About 60,000 personnel and 47 aircraft are currently involved in the response.
Police have moved 98 company-related cases into the investigation stage and say they are examining possible involvement by people from a neighboring country.
Investigators are still gathering evidence, and suspects will be named only when evidence is sufficient; authorities say company owners or shareholders may also face action.
Indonesia has imposed administrative sanctions on 32 companies over forest and land fires that burned 12,926.74 hectares across seven provinces.
Police said 98 cases involving corporations had advanced to the investigation stage.
President Prabowo Subianto ordered expanded aerial operations and more personnel to respond to the fires.
The government also directed companies to build water reservoirs and wells to help prevent fires.
Officials said investigations were continuing, including into possible responsibility by company owners and shareholders.
- Who
- Indonesia’s Forestry Ministry and police are pursuing action against companies and other parties linked to fires.
- What
- The government has sanctioned 32 companies, while police say 98 corporate cases are under investigation.
- When
- Officials announced the measures on October 19, 2026.
- Where
- The fires affected seven Indonesian provinces; the response meeting was held at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta.
- Why
- To address forest and land fires, identify those responsible and reduce the risk of fires recurring.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
President Prabowo met officials in Jakarta to discuss the response to forest and land fires.
The Forestry Ministry announced administrative sanctions against 32 companies.
Police said 98 cases involving corporations had advanced to the investigation stage.
- Companies sanctioned
- 32
- Burned area
- 12,926.74 hectares
- Provinces affected
- 7
- Corporate cases under investigation
- 98
- Personnel deployed
- 60,000
- Aircraft involved
- 47
2 sources
What people are saying
Addressing forest fires must reach the parties truly responsible.
The president said forest and land fire response must be truly massive.
As of today, the Criminal Investigation Agency has conducted investigations into 98 police reports. There are 98 cases related to corporations.