Karhutla Readiness Rally: Police Crime Chief Warns of Harsh Sanctions for Land Burners

The Police’s Criminal Investigation Agency (Kabareskrim) Commissioner General Syahardiantono warned all parties not to burn land in a bid to clear land. He said that the Police, via the Satgas Karhutla, will take firm action against both individuals and corporations who deliberately burn forests. The statement was made after the National Karhutla Readiness Rally 2026 at Lanud Roesmin Nurjadin, Pekanbaru, Riau, on Thursday 5 March 2026. The rally, led by Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menko Polhukam) Djamardi Chaniago, was accompanied by Minister of Environment and Forestry Raja Juli Antoni and the Head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) Suharyanto. Attendees included Acting Governor of Riau SF Hariyanto, Riau Police Chief Irjen Pol Herry Heryawan, Danrem 031/Wira Bima Brig. Gen. Jarot Suprihanto, along with Basarnas, BMKG, Damkar, the Masyarakat Peduli Api (MPA) and other Forkopimda members. Syahardiantono said that the Police via Satgas Karhutla at the regional police have carried out mitigation to address the potential Karhutla disaster. In addition to monitoring hotspot points, the Karhutla Task Force continues to socialise and educate the public. “On the other hand, we are also enforcing the law,” he said. As of 2026, Polri records show 20 police reports and 21 suspects. “The majority are at Polda Riau and Kalbar,” he said. He reminded the public not to burn forests; he emphasised that forest burning in any form will be dealt with firmly under applicable law. “That is why we urge private individuals and corporations not to burn forests at all. Because we will surely act firmly; the law is clear,” he said. “Moreover, as the Menko has just stated, we will collaborate and undertake prevention as well as enforcement of forest burning,” he added.