Fugitive in Siak Forest Fire Case Arrested After Obstructing Firefighting Efforts to Protect Palm Oil
The Siak Police have arrested a fugitive involved in a forest and land fire (karhutla) case in Kampung Pinang Sebatan Timur, Tualang District. The suspect, identified by the initials Y alias IM (48), was apprehended after a month on the run.
The suspect was previously being hunted for a fire that occurred on 7 August 2026, located within the PT Arara Abadi concession area in the Rasau Kuning District. The fire was first detected by the company’s patrol team via drone monitoring, prompting officers to move to the site to begin firefighting operations.
Investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly intentionally set fires at three different points to clear land intended for an oil palm plantation. As a result, the flames spread, burning approximately 1.3 hectares of a 2-hectare plot under his control.
“The suspect admitted to creating three burning points to clear the land before planting oil palm. However, the fire spread and became uncontrollable, burning about 1.3 hectares of peatland,” stated Siak Police Chief AKBP Sepuh Ade Irsyam Siregar on Saturday (19/9/2026).
Obstructing Officers
During the firefighting efforts, officers faced significant obstacles. The suspect reportedly obstructed personnel attempting to use heavy machinery to create firebreaks.
“When officers attempted to create firebreaks, the suspect interfered because he did not want his oil palm plants to be damaged. In reality, firebreaks are necessary to limit the spread of the fire,” said Sepuh.
Sepuh noted that the suspect, who was staying in a hut approximately 100 metres from the fire, approached the officers armed with a ‘dodos’ (an oil palm harvesting tool). He prohibited the use of heavy machinery due to fears of damaging his crops.
“As a result, officers were unable to use heavy machinery to create firebreaks and had to rely solely on fire engines,” he added.
Ultimately, the fire was brought under control after dozens of company personnel, security officers, and rapid response teams were deployed to the location.
Investigations also revealed that the land controlled by the suspect is within a forest area that falls under a company concession. At the site, officers found planted oil palm trees as well as several seedlings prepared for planting.
Police also seized evidence including hoes, a chainsaw, two machetes, a dodos, oil palm seedlings, bottles containing Pertalite, Biosolar, and oil, as well as three pieces of burnt wood.
Meanwhile, the Head of Public Relations for the Riau Regional Police, Kombes Akmadi, emphasised that law enforcement regarding forest fires is not only directed at those who start the fires but also covers the alleged illegal occupation and use of forest areas.
“The handling of forest fires does not stop with those who light the fire. Investigators are also looking into land use activities, including suspected illegal plantation activities within forest areas. Any party proven to have broken the law will be held accountable,” said Akmadi.
He added that the act of obstructing firefighting efforts is a serious concern, as it hinders the ability of officers to prevent the spread of fire.
Akmadi reminded the public not to clear land by burning, especially in peatland areas which carry a high risk of uncontrollable fires.
“We remind the community not to clear land by burning. Do not let the interests of opening plantations cause fires that damage the environment and endanger the wider public,” he asserted.