Prabowo Subianto Pushes for Forest Fires to be Categorised as Ecological Terrorism

President Prabowo Subianto has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening law enforcement against perpetrators of forest and land fires (karhutla). In his latest directive, the Head of State urged that intentional land burning be categorised as an extraordinary crime, or “ecological terrorism.”

The statement was made by the President while presiding over a hybrid limited meeting regarding the handling of various disasters at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Wednesday (16/9).

Prabowo assessed that the impacts caused by forest fires are extremely serious, not only damaging the national ecosystem but also affecting public health and international relations due to transboundary haze pollution.

To ensure maximum deterrence, the President has instructed the Minister of State Secretary and the Minister of Law to review regulations regarding sanctions for forest burners. If necessary, the government will propose legislative revisions to the House of Representatives (DPR) to increase penalties.

“I am saying that the Minister of State Secretary and the Minister of Law should investigate so that the legal sanctions, perhaps the laws, we request from the DPR to be strengthened, so that we categorise this as ecological terrorism. This is very serious,” Prabowo stated, as quoted on Thursday (17/9).

In addition to focusing on criminal sanctions, the President also highlighted regulations at the regional level. He requested the Minister of Home Affairs to ensure that local governments revoke regional regulations (Perda) that still provide loopholes or permits for the public to conduct land burning for any reason.

Prabowo emphasised that reasons involving tradition or local wisdom should no longer be used as justification for burning land. As a solution, the government is committed to providing technical assistance to communities that require land clearing without the use of fire.

The President concluded his directive by asserting that mitigation must be carried out to the maximum extent. The government aims to ensure that Indonesia no longer sends haze to neighbouring countries, which could disrupt regional stability.

“We have worked maximally to mitigate these issues,” he concluded.