Ministry of Environment Monitors 19 Companies Linked to Forest Fires, 11,046 Hectares Burned
The Ministry of Environment (KLH)/Environmental Control Agency (BPLH) continues to enforce the law against companies suspected of involvement in forest and land fires (karhutla) across various regions in Indonesia.
Deputy for Law Enforcement at KLH/BPLH, Inspector General Rizal Irawan, stated that at least 19 companies have been held accountable for alleged violations. Rizal revealed that there are still dozens of unresolved forest fire cases from the 2023-2025 period. In total, there are 32 pending cases with potential environmental losses reaching Rp5.30 trillion.
“For the period of 2023 to 2025, there are a total of 32 unresolved cases, with potential environmental losses amounting to Rp5.30 trillion,” Rizal said during a press conference in Jakarta, as reported on Tuesday (3/9/2026).
According to Rizal, law enforcement regarding forest fire cases is conducted through three channels: administrative sanctions, environmental disputes or civil lawsuits, and criminal prosecution. “Criminal cases will be handled by investigators from the Indonesian National Police, ranging from the Regional Police (Polda) and District Police (Polres) levels to the National Police Headquarters (Mabes Polri),” he explained.
Meanwhile, from January to August 2026, KLH/BPLH has conducted monitoring actions against 19 companies spread across seven provinces. These actions include the installation of monitoring signs, sealing of areas, and other measures carried out by Environmental Supervisory Officers (PPLH).
Based on KLH/BPLH data, seven companies are located in West Kalimantan, with a total burned area of 2,260.08 hectares. Additionally, four companies are in South Sumatra, with a total burned area of 772.72 hectares.
The largest burned area was recorded in South Kalimantan, where three companies are located, with a total burned area reaching 6,595.15 hectares. Furthermore, two companies are in Central Kalimantan with a total burned area of 99.40 hectares, one of which recorded a burned area of approximately five hectares.
In Lampung, there is one company with a burned area of 202.73 hectares, while one company in Riau recorded a burned area of approximately 7.10 hectares.
Overall, the 19 companies under monitoring by KLH/BPLH are spread across seven provinces in Sumatra and Kalimantan, with a total burned area reaching approximately 11,046.69 hectares. However, the government has not yet disclosed the names of the 19 companies subject to these monitoring actions.
KLH/BPLH stated that the law enforcement process regarding forest fire cases is ongoing through administrative, civil, and criminal channels, depending on the type of violation identified.