Indonesia probes 11 companies over South Kalimantan fires

The targets were identified by overlaying satellite hotspot data with maps of agricultural concessions and mining permits, according to Inspector General Rizal Irawan, the ministry’s head of environmental law enforcement.

“The initial indication emerged after satellite hotspot data was overlaid with maps of concession areas,” Irawan said during a field inspection in Banjarbaru alongside Environment Minister Mohammad Jumhur Hidayat on Monday.

However, officials cautioned that satellite data alone is not definitive proof of illegal burning and requires immediate verification on the ground.

“These remain preliminary suspicions,” Irawan explained. “Field inspections are necessary to determine whether the hotspots represent actual wildfires or heat generated by legitimate industrial operations.”

The investigation is complicated by overlapping agricultural and mining permits in South Kalimantan, as heavy equipment and mining operations frequently generate thermal signatures detectable by satellite sensors.

Authorities said final conclusions regarding potential corporate negligence or illegal land clearing will depend on the outcome of the physical ground checks.

Translator: Bayu Prasetyo