Confessions of Jambi Farmers Named Suspects in Forest Fire Case
Two farmers, identified by the initials MTN (63) and AK (65), have been named suspects in a forest fire case involving land burning in the West Tanjung Jabung region, Jambi. Both individuals claim they did not intentionally burn the land, asserting that the fire originated from their cooking stove.
Ironically, the land intended for cultivation by the two farmers—where the fire occurred—is part of a conservation area. MTN claimed he was unaware the land was a conservation zone, as he had purchased it from another individual for Rp10 million.
MTN recounted the chronology of the fire leading to his arrest, noting that he faces a potential prison sentence of up to 15 years. “I was still sleeping on the road when I was arrested. I did not do it on purpose; I was cooking rice. The fire came from the stove,” MTN stated, as reported by detiksumbagsel.
The fire from the stove reportedly spread to other parts of the land. MTN claimed he attempted to extinguish the flames, but efforts were futile due to the dry season and lack of water. “I tried to extinguish it, but there was no water; it was the dry season and the river was dry,” he claimed.
The designation of the two farmers as suspects was carried out by investigators from the Ministry of Forestry through the Sumatra Regional Forestry Law Enforcement Agency. MTN and AK are currently being held at the Jambi Regional Police detention centre for further investigation.
The suspects are facing charges for violating criminal provisions related to the burning and/or illegal occupation of forest areas, as regulated under Law Number 41 of 1999 concerning Forestry, as amended by Law Number 6 of 2023 in conjunction with Law Number 1 of 2026 regarding Criminal Adjustment. Consequently, the suspects face a maximum prison sentence of 15 years and/or 10 years, along with a fine of up to Rp7.5 billion.
The incident occurred on Wednesday (2/9) at approximately 12:10 PM. At that time, the Jambi Province Forest Fire Control Task Force, alongside PT Rimba Hutani Mas (RHM), was conducting firefighting operations in Block III of Taman Raja, which is part of the Limited Production Forest (HPT) in Lubuk Bernai Village.
Officers spotted smoke rising from another location, a protected forest area near their current operation. Officers, along with the Security Unit Coordinator for Block III Taman Raja and TNI personnel, proceeded to the suspicious location to investigate. Upon arrival, the team apprehended two individuals involved in burning activities within the protected forest area.
Authorities also seized several pieces of evidence, including gas lighters, burnt wood fragments, machetes, saws, solar power equipment, tarpaulins, a motorcycle, rubber boots, nails, and rattan baskets.
In addition to naming the farmers as suspects, Hari Novianto, Head of the Sumatra Regional Forestry Law Enforcement Agency, stated that investigators will also examine PT Rimba Hutan Mas, the holder of the Business Permit for Forest Area Utilisation (PBPH) in the area. The investigation aims to determine how the company fulfilled its responsibility to protect and secure the forest area within its operational zone.
“We will investigate this incident based on the facts and evidence obtained, including examining PT RHM to obtain information regarding the responsibilities of the PBPH and the forest fire prevention and control efforts implemented in their area,” explained Hari.
He added that any party proven to have committed a violation through evidence must be held accountable under the law. Hari emphasised that the investigation aims to enforce the law against suspected forestry crimes, noting that every fire spot must be traced to its cause, especially when there are indications of illegal activity. “Forest areas must be protected from illegal activities that can damage the environment and increase the risk of disasters,” he concluded.