Kotim DPRD urges law enforcers to be transparent in handling corporations involved in forest fires

The East Kotawaringin (Kotim) DPRD in Central Kalimantan has urged law enforcement agencies to be serious and transparent in investigating the alleged involvement of several corporations in forest and land fire (karhutla) cases.

“We ask law enforcers to be serious in handling this, and also not to be non-transparent because we have experience from several years ago, there were several companies, two if I am not mistaken, and we do not know whether they were executed, given punishment, sanctions, or what,” said Kotim DPRD Chairman Rimbun in Sampit on Wednesday.

Rimbun explained that law enforcement against corporations must be carried out openly so that the public is aware of the progress and outcome of case handling, especially since the karhutla issue is a serious concern because its impacts are widely felt.

Legal proceedings against corporations need to be seriously monitored because companies have responsibility for managing the area and environment around their business operations.

“Transparent handling is also considered important to ensure that every party proven to have committed violations receives sanctions in accordance with the provisions,” he said.

According to him, openness regarding the process and outcome of case handling is also necessary to maintain public trust in law enforcement agencies.

On the other hand, Rimbun appreciated the steps taken by law enforcement agencies together with all relevant elements who continue to handle karhutla in Kotim and other areas in Central Kalimantan.

According to him, prevention and enforcement efforts must go hand in hand because dry season conditions make the risk of fire increasingly high.

“We give appreciation to law enforcement agencies, all elements, vertical institutions, who are struggling to participate in handling the existing karhutla, especially in East Kotawaringin Regency,” he said.