19 Companies Identified as Culprits in Indonesian Forest Fires, Causing Rp5.3 Trillion Loss to State

The government has identified 19 companies suspected of causing forest and land fires (karhutla) in various regions across the country. The total loss to the state is estimated to reach Rp5.3 trillion.

The Ministry of Environment (KLH)/Environmental Control Agency (BPLH) is continuing to process companies suspected of being the cause of forest and land fires in several areas. At least 19 companies have been held accountable for the violations they committed.

“For the period of 2023 to 2025, there are a total of 32 unresolved cases, with potential environmental losses amounting to Rp5.3 trillion,” stated the Deputy for Law Enforcement of the KLH/BPLH, Inspector General of Police Rizal Irawan, as quoted in an official statement on Monday (1/9/2026).

Rizal noted that law enforcement regarding forest fire cases is being conducted through three channels: administrative sanctions, environmental disputes or civil lawsuits, and criminal prosecution.

“Criminal cases will be handled by investigators from the Indonesian National Police, ranging from the Regional Police (Polda) and District Police (Polres) levels to the National Police Headquarters (Mabes Polri),” he explained.

From January to the present, Rizal mentioned that the KLH/BPLH has undertaken supervisory actions against 19 companies spread across seven provinces. These actions include the installation of monitoring signs, sealing of sites, and other measures carried out by Environmental Supervisory Officers (PPLH).

Of these 19 companies, seven are located in West Kalimantan, with a total burnt area reaching 2,260.08 hectares. Additionally, four companies are located in South Sumatra, with a total burnt area of 772.72 hectares.

In South Kalimantan, there are three companies with a total burnt area of 6,595.15 hectares, the largest area compared to other regions mentioned by the KLH/BPLH.

Furthermore, two companies are located in Central Kalimantan with a total burnt area of 99.40 hectares, one of which has a burnt area of approximately five hectares. Meanwhile, in Lampung, there is one company with a burnt area of 202.73 hectares, and in Riau, one company is recorded with a burnt area of approximately 7.10 hectares.

Overall, these 19 companies are spread across provinces in Sumatra and Kalimantan, with a total burnt area reaching approximately 11,046.69 hectares.