Bareskrim Names 72 Suspects in Forest and Land Fire Cases, Allegedly Linked to Palm Oil

Bareskrim Polri has named a total of 72 suspects in forest and land fire (karhutla) cases across several regions in recent weeks.

Director of Specific Crimes (Tipidter) at Bareskrim Polri, Moh. Irhamni, said 89 police reports (LP) were issued by nine regional police forces: Riau, West Kalimantan, South Sumatra, Jambi, Central Kalimantan, South Kalimantan, East Kalimantan, Aceh, and North Kalimantan.

“These nine regional police forces have carried out investigation and inquiry processes, with approximately 72 individual suspects named so far,” Irhamni said at a press conference at Bareskrim on Sunday (23/8).

According to him, police found elements of intent in a number of the fires. He confirmed the fires were not caused by climate warming or El Niño.

Irhamni said the forest and land burning was allegedly carried out to clear land for palm oil planting in the upcoming rainy season. This was revealed through the seizure of evidence, including palm oil seedlings ready for planting.

“As you know, this is the dry season, making it very easy to carry out burning, with palm oil plantation planting to be done during the rainy season later,” he said.

Evidence seized includes 35 lighters, 2 plastic bottles of used oil, 2 plastic bottles of diesel fuel, 2 ten-litre jerry cans containing diesel fuel, and 2 plastic bottles of Pertalite fuel.

Also seized were 1 plastic bottle of kerosene, 21 machetes, 2 axes, 1 hoe, 39 pieces of burnt wood, 5 plastic bags of burnt soil samples, 2 chainsaw units, 13 used polybags, 6 palm oil seedlings, and 1 pair of boots.

“From the evidence seized by investigators, it is very clear that the motive for the burning was land clearing,” Irhamni said.