Riau Police Commit to Firm Action Against Forest and Land Fire Perpetrators Without Compromise
The Riau Regional Police (Polda Riau) are fully committed to enforcing the law against perpetrators of forest and land fires (karhutla). Polda Riau has stressed that it will take firm action against karhutla offenders without compromise.
“There is no compromise for any action that, whether intentionally or through negligence, results in forest and land fires,” said Polda Riau Head of Public Relations, Senior Commissioner Akmadi, during a press conference at Polda Riau headquarters in Pekanbaru on Friday (28/8/2026).
He stated that prevention efforts remain the primary approach. However, he emphasised that law enforcement will continue in order to provide a deterrent effect for karhutla offenders.
“Polda Riau will take firm, professional, transparent and fair action against any party proven to have committed the criminal act of karhutla, as a form of protection for the environment and the public,” he added.
Senior Commissioner Akmadi also urged members of the public, both individuals and business operators, not to carry out burning, especially amid the extreme dry season.
“Polda Riau reminds the public and business operators not to burn forests and land for any reason whatsoever,” he continued.
Akmadi cautioned that land clearing by burning has wide-ranging impacts, not only on the environment itself but also on public health, and has the potential to cause economic and social losses.
“Polda Riau also urges the public not to burn rubbish carelessly, particularly in hot weather conditions and when winds could cause fires to spread rapidly,” he said.
In the context of law enforcement, Polda Riau uncovered 37 karhutla cases throughout January to August 2026. From these 37 cases, Polda Riau and its ranks have named 40 suspects.
Of the dozens of cases, the majority of fires occurred due to deliberate intent. From these cases, Polda Riau recorded that the total burned land area reached 904 hectares.
“Most of the cases handled show that the fires occurred due to deliberate intent, namely to clear land by burning, with the aim of establishing oil palm plantations or other horticultural businesses,” said Polda Riau Director of Special Criminal Investigation, Senior Commissioner Ade Kuncoro Ridwan, during a press conference at Polda Riau in Pekanbaru on Friday (28/8).
In addition to deliberate intent, from several of the cases handled, police revealed that fires occurred due to negligence in burning rubbish. Fires initially used to burn rubbish then became uncontrollable and spread to surrounding land.
“In every case, investigators conduct a thorough examination to determine the source and cause of the fire, as well as to identify the responsible parties based on facts and evidence,” he explained.