49 Named Suspects Over Forest and Land Fires in Riau
The Riau Regional Police have handled 45 forest and land fire cases as of Monday (7/9/2026), with 49 people named as suspects. The burnt area linked to these cases has reached 2,958.04 hectares.
Director of Special Crimes Investigation at Riau Regional Police, Commissioner Ade Kuncoro Ridwan, said the legal process continues alongside prevention, extinguishing and handling of forest and land fires across various parts of Riau.
“Every fire incident found to have indications of a criminal offence will be investigated thoroughly. Investigators trace the source of the fire, the cause of the blaze and the parties responsible. If sufficient evidence is found and the criminal elements are met, we will certainly process the case according to legal provisions,” Ade said in a statement on Monday (7/9/2026).
According to data from the Special Crimes Investigation Directorate of Riau Regional Police, 26 cases are still under investigation, two cases have P19 status, and 17 cases have completed stage II or have been transferred to public prosecutors.
Pelalawan, Indragiri Hilir and Bengkalis are the regions with the highest number of cases, with eight cases each. Pelalawan recorded nine suspects with a burnt area of 2,502.6 hectares, while Bengkalis has nine suspects with a burnt area of 230.5 hectares.
Meanwhile, Indragiri Hilir is handling eight cases with eight suspects and a burnt area of 22.5 hectares.
Cases have also been recorded in Siak, with four cases and five suspects. Of that number, three cases are still under investigation and one case has completed stage II, with the burnt area linked to the cases reaching 48.39 hectares.
Kampar Police are handling four cases with four suspects. Rokan Hilir and Indragiri Hulu are each handling three cases with three suspects, whilst Kepulauan Meranti and Pekanbaru are each handling two cases.
Dumai and Rokan Hulu have each recorded one case. The Special Crimes Investigation Directorate of Riau Regional Police is also directly handling one case with two suspects.
Ade said law enforcement is not measured solely by the number of cases or suspects. Investigators must ensure every case has strong, accountable evidence for the legal process.
“What we ensure is that every case is handled professionally. Investigators must be able to prove the cause of the fire, the actions of the perpetrators and their legal responsibility,” he said.
Law enforcement runs alongside prevention efforts through patrols, early detection, awareness campaigns and communicating the prohibition on burning land to communities in high-risk areas.
Riau Regional Police have also reminded the public not to open or clear land by burning, especially in peat areas. Fire can spread and become difficult to control, potentially causing impacts on the environment, public health and community activities.
“That is why we continue to remind the public not to open or clear land by burning. Prevention comes first, but when a criminal offence is discovered, law enforcement will be carried out firmly,” Ade said.