Cigarette Butt Claimed to Trigger 30-Hectare Forest Fire in Rohil, Riau; One Suspect Named

A cigarette butt is claimed to have triggered a forest and land fire (karhutla) that scorched 30 hectares of land in Rokan Hilir Regency (Rohil), Riau. A man with the initials MA has been named a suspect.

Rohil Police Chief AKBP Aldi Alfa Faroqi revealed that the fire occurred in Raja Bejamu, Sinaboi District, Rokan Hilir Regency, last Thursday (6/8). The fire originated within a Limited Production Forest (HPT) area.

He confirmed that the fire has been successfully extinguished. Investigations revealed that the starting point of the fire is suspected to be on land controlled by MF.

“The results of the investigation found facts that on 4 August 2026, a worker of MF with the initials MA, along with two others, were conducting measurements on the land,” he said, quoting detikcom on Sunday (30/8).

During interrogation, MA admitted that he was smoking a cigarette during the measurement process. He subsequently discarded the cigarette butt, which caused the fire.

“During the measurement, the individual was known to be lighting and smoking a cigarette. Suddenly, smoke and flames appeared,” he added.

MA admitted he attempted to extinguish the fire using sticks and branches. However, the flames spread and expanded to the surrounding land.

“The fire was only successfully extinguished on 9 August 2026, with the affected area spanning approximately 30 hectares,” he stated.