Karhutla: Law Enforcement Tightened for Deterrent Effect
Pelalawan Resort Police have successfully uncovered a criminal case of forest and land fires (karhutla) that occurred in the Teluk Meranti sub-district, Pelalawan Regency. A man with the initials ES was secured as the suspect in the case, which had widespread environmental impacts.
Pelalawan Police Chief AKBP John Louis Letedara explained that the uncovering of this case began with the detection of hotspots through the Lancang Kuning Dashboard in February 2026 in Dusun III, Gambut Mutiara Village.
“As soon as we received information about the hotspot, the Satreskrim team from Pelalawan Resort Police immediately went to the location and conducted an investigation. From the results of the on-site investigation and witness statements, we managed to secure one suspect,” John told reporters on Sunday (5/4/2026).
Based on the investigation results and further probing, the suspect was found to have intentionally cleared land by burning it for plantation interests. The method used involved gathering branches, grass, and oil palm fronds, then burning them gradually from January to March 2026.
“Initially, the suspect did not admit to his actions, but after in-depth examination supported by witness statements and physical evidence at the scene, he finally confessed to repeatedly burning the land,” he explained.
From the investigation results and findings on the ground, the fire did not occur at a single point but spread significantly to around 500 hectares of peatland. This condition worsened the environmental impacts and increased the risk of haze in the area.
“The area of burnt land is estimated to reach approximately 500 hectares. This is a serious concern because the impacts are very broad, both on the environment and public health,” the Police Chief emphasised.
In uncovering this case, the police also seized evidence consisting of one machete and oil palm fronds used in the burning activities.
The Police Chief stressed that land burning is a serious crime that not only violates the law but also damages ecosystems and threatens community life.
“Karhutla criminal acts are crimes against the environment and humanity. We will not tolerate anyone who intentionally clears land by burning,” he asserted.
For his actions, the suspect is being charged under Article 56 Paragraph (1) in conjunction with Article 108 of Law No. 39 of 2014 on Plantations as amended by Law No. 6 of 2023 on Job Creation, as well as Article 98 of Law No. 32 of 2009 on Environmental Protection and Management.
The Police Chief also urged the entire community, especially in karhutla-prone areas, not to clear land by burning.
“We remind the public not to ever clear land by burning. Besides being dangerous and damaging to the environment, it also carries firm legal consequences,” he said.
Currently, the investigation process is ongoing, completing the administration and coordinating with experts to strengthen the evidence.
“We ensure the legal process runs professionally, transparently, and accountably. This is part of our commitment to preserving the environment and protecting the public,” the Police Chief concluded.
This uncovering is part of the firm steps by the Riau Regional Police in addressing karhutla perpetrators, while strengthening the commitment to preserving the environment in the Land of Lancang Kuning, in line with the spirit of protecting its blessings and upholding its dignity.