East Java Regional Police Ready to Take Action Against Forest and Land Arsonists
Surabaya (ANTARA) - The East Java Regional Police have emphasised that they will enforce the law against perpetrators of forest or land burning that meets the elements of a criminal offence, as part of efforts to prevent forest and land fires (karhutla).
“Our prevention strategy prioritises education, patrols, and collaboration. However, if forest or land burning is found to meet the elements of a criminal offence, the National Police will carry out law enforcement professionally, firmly, and in accordance with statutory regulations,” said the Head of Public Relations for the East Java Regional Police, Kombes Pol Jules Abraham Abast, in Surabaya on Wednesday.
This assertion is part of the follow-up to the National Police Chief’s Telegram Letter Number ST/1895/VIII/OPS.1.2./2026, dated 31 August 2026, regarding measures for the prevention and control of forest and land fires.
Jules stated that persuasive and preventive efforts remain the priority by increasing the mapping of high-risk areas, conducting integrated patrols, ensuring the readiness of personnel and infrastructure, and coordinating with local governments and stakeholders.
According to him, the characteristics of regions in East Java vary, so prevention and handling measures are adjusted to the conditions and risk levels of each area.
Mapping and patrols are directed towards forest areas, plantations, agricultural land, and other areas that, based on mapping results and field conditions, have the potential to experience fires.
The East Java Regional Police and its ranks are also strengthening coordination with the East Java Provincial Government, regency/city governments, the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), the Forestry Service, the Environmental Service, the TNI (Indonesian National Armed Forces), Perum Perhutani, as well as forest and plantation area managers.
In addition to integrated patrols, the police ranks are increasing routine intensified activities (KRYD), checking the readiness of personnel and infrastructure, and optimising education and appeals to the public.
The role of the Community Police Officers (Bhabinkamtibmas) is also being optimised to provide education, particularly to communities living near forest areas, plantations, or lands that are prone to fire.
“The most important thing is to prevent fires before they occur. Therefore, we urge the public not to clear land by burning in a manner that contravenes regulations, and to immediately report any hotspots or burning activities that have the potential to cause forest and land fires,” said Jules.
The readiness of personnel and fire-fighting infrastructure is also being strengthened so that if hotspots are found, handling can be carried out quickly and in an integrated manner with relevant agencies.
The East Java Regional Police invite the public, the business community, forest and plantation managers, and all stakeholders to work together to protect the environment and increase vigilance against potential fires.