Jember Police Issue Stern Warning Against Forest and Land Fire Perpetrators
Jember, East Java - The Jember Resort Police (Polres) in East Java have issued a stern warning to perpetrators who intentionally burn forests and land, stating they face potential prison sentences of up to 15 years and fines of up to Rp10 billion.
The police have instructed sub-district police units (polsek) to install warning banners at various strategic locations, urging the public not to carelessly ignite or leave fire sources within forested areas.
“We are continuously intensifying mitigation and patrols in forest areas to minimise the risk of forest and land fires (karhutla),” said Jember Police Chief AKBP Alaiddin in a statement in Jember on Friday.
These preventive measures have been implemented through joint patrols conducted by the Jelbuk Police and Perhutani in the forest sectors 73 and 74, Panduman Village, Jelbuk District, Jember Regency.
During these activities, police personnel and Perhutani officials not only monitored high-risk areas but also engaged in direct dialogue with local residents and plantation farmers operating near the site.
“Officers are reminding residents to increase vigilance against any activities that could potentially trigger fire, considering that the prolonged dry season has dried out forest vegetation, making it highly flammable,” he added.
According to the Police Chief, the success of preventing forest fires depends heavily on the active involvement and concern of all community elements, necessitating cooperation from all parties to prevent such disasters.
“Patrols are a concrete preventive step to prevent forest and land fires. We invite the entire community, especially those active around forest areas, to work together to protect the environment and avoid actions that trigger fires,” he said.
He noted that strong synergy between the police, Perduhani, local government, and the community is the primary key to ensuring forest areas remain safe and conducive throughout this dry season.
Police officers have also installed banners stating, “Stop Karhutla!!! Burning forests and land is prohibited as it is punishable by imprisonment and billions of rupiah in fines,” in accordance with applicable laws.
Perpetrators of forest and land burning can be prosecuted under Law No. 41 of 1999 concerning Forestry, which carries a maximum prison sentence of 15 years and a fine of up to Rp15 billion. Furthermore, Law No. 2 of 2009 concerning Environmental Protection and Management carries threats of 3 to 10 years in prison and fines ranging from Rp3 billion to Rp10 billion.
Meanwhile, data from the Jember Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) recorded several forest and land fire incidents during the dry season, reaching 72 cases, consisting of 10 forest fires and 62 land fires from May to mid-September 2024.
Head of BPBD Jember, Edy Budi Susilo, stated that his agency supports law enforcement in imposing strict sanctions on perpetrators, whether intentional or unintentional, because the impact is highly detrimental to the community.
“We fully support strict sanctions against those who burn forests and land; however, in line with our primary duties, BPBD Jember focuses on mitigation and the prevention of forest and land fires, especially during the current prolonged dry season,” he said.