Cigarette Butt Triggers 30-Hectare Forest Fire, Man in Rohil Named Suspect
A cigarette butt triggered a forest and land fire (karhutla) that scorched 30 hectares of land in Rokan Hilir Regency, Riau. A man with the initials MA has been named a suspect in connection with the incident.
The fire occurred in Raja Bejamu, Sinaboi District, Rokan Hilir Regency, on Thursday, 6 August 2026, specifically within the Limited Production Forest (HPT) area on Jalan Sepakat, Dusun II Raja Bejamu. The flames have since been successfully extinguished by a joint team comprising Police, TNI, Manggala Agni, and the Fire Care Community (MPA), with assistance from local companies.
Following the firefighting efforts, the Rohili Police conducted a thorough investigation into the incident. The investigation revealed that the fire’s origin was suspected to be on land controlled by MF.
“The investigation found facts that on 4 August 2026, an MF worker with the initials MA, along with two others, was conducting measurements on the land,” stated Rohil Police Chief AKBP Aldi Alfa Faroqi in a statement on Sunday (30/8/2026).
During interrogation, MA admitted to smoking during the measurement process. He subsequently discarded his cigarette butt, which caused the fire.
“During the measurement, the individual was known to be lighting and smoking cigarettes. Suddenly, smoke plumes 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 said.
In this case, the police have secured three burnt logs and one sheet of satellite imagery analysis. For his actions, MA faces charges under Law Number 41 of 1999 concerning Forestry, as amended by Law Number 6 of 2023, and/or Law Number 32 of 2009 concerning Environmental Protection and Management.
Police are continuing to examine witnesses, coordinate with experts, complete investigation administration, and conduct case reviews for the subsequent legal process.
Based on the investigation and case review, the Rohil Police have officially named MA as a suspect. The Police Chief emphasised that his department will take firm action against all forms of land burning, whether intentional or unintentional.
“Rohil Police is committed to handling every forest and land fire case professionally and based on available evidence. The escalation of the case to the investigation stage was conducted after the investigation and case review processes,” he asserted.
Furthermore, the Police Chief urged the public not to clear land through burning. He noted that managing forest and land fires must be a serious priority, as it impacts not only the environment but also disrupts public activities and health.
“We remind the entire community not to engage in forest and land burning. Do not assume a small fire is harmless, as it can quickly spread and cause greater impact if left uncontrolled,” he said.
“We invite the community to work together to prevent forest and land fires. If you find a fire spot or any activity that has the potential to cause a fire, please report it immediately to the police or relevant officials so it can be handled as early as possible,” he concluded.