Karimun Land and Forest Fire Perpetrators Face Up to 15 Years in Prison

Karimun Police have issued a strong warning to the public regarding the rising potential for land and forest fires (karhutla) as the dry season begins. Hot weather accompanied by strong winds is deemed to heighten the risk of fires, particularly in vulnerable areas.

Karimun Police Chief AKB Yunita Stevani emphasised that the authorities will not tolerate any form of land and forest burning, whether intentional or due to negligence.

She stated that karhutla perpetrators could face heavy criminal sanctions, including imprisonment for up to 15 years and a maximum fine of Rp15 billion, as stipulated in Law No. 41 of 1999 on Forestry, specifically Article 78 Paragraph (3).

“Burning forests and land is not only a legal violation but also brings widespread impacts on the environment, public health, and the economy. We urge the public not to clear land by burning,” she said on Tuesday (31/3).

According to her, karhutla can cause significant ecosystem damage, reduce air quality due to smoke, and increase the risk of respiratory diseases such as acute respiratory infections (ISPA). Haze is also likely to disrupt transportation, education, and economic activities.

Although no karhutla cases have been reported in Karimun Regency to date, Karimun Police are still enhancing readiness as an early anticipatory measure to prevent fires from occurring or spreading.

As part of prevention efforts, the police have instructed all sub-sector police stations to intensify socialisation and education to the public, especially in areas assessed to have high potential for land and forest fires.

Police personnel are also directly engaging in the field to provide warnings against clearing land by burning. Residents are educated on the negative impacts of karhutla and the legal consequences that can be imposed on perpetrators.

The Police Chief also reminded the public to be more cautious in activities that could trigger fires, such as carelessly discarding cigarette butts or burning waste in open areas.

“We invite all elements of society to jointly protect the environment. Preventing karhutla is not only the duty of the authorities but our collective responsibility,” she stressed.

The public is asked to immediately report any fire points or fire incidents to the nearest police apparatus or through the emergency service Call Center 110 so that they can be handled promptly.