Police hunt forest and land arsonists in Aceh

Banda Aceh - Aceh Police are investigating and pursuing suspects responsible for forest and land fires across several regencies in Aceh Province.

“Aceh Police and their units are investigating and pursuing those suspected of setting forest and land fires in various regencies to hold them legally accountable,” said Aceh Police Public Relations Chief Police Commissioner Joko Krisdiyanto in Banda Aceh on Monday.

Previously, Aceh Police and regional police stations received reports of forest and land fires in Aceh Tengah, Nagan Raya, Aceh Selatan, Aceh Barat, and Aceh Barat Daya regencies.

Joko stated that the fire in Aceh Tengah was allegedly deliberately set by irresponsible parties. The incident occurred in Toweran Toa village, Lut Tawar subdistrict, on Sunday (31 May).

In addition to Aceh Tengah, fires also broke out in Kayee Unoe and Babah Lueng villages in Nagan Raya regency, burning approximately 10 hectares of land.

In Aceh Selatan regency, a fire occurred in Kapa Sesak village, Trumon Timur subdistrict, covering about one hectare.

“All fires across the locations have been extinguished. However, police and relevant agencies continue investigations and monitoring to prevent further outbreaks,” Joko said.

Aceh Police urge the public not to clear land by burning, as it poses environmental disaster risks and violates the law, including provisions under Law No. 41 of 1999 on Forestry.

According to Joko, Aceh Police Chief, Inspector General Marzuki Ali Basyah, has ordered all units to investigate and apprehend forest and land fire perpetrators for legal processing in accordance with applicable laws.