Riau police deploy five experts to probe forest fire case

Riau Police Special Crimes Director Senior Commissioner Ade Kuncoro Ridwan said the fire occurred in the concession area of PT Teguh Karsa Wana Lestari in early August 2026.

The experts joined investigators from the Riau Police Special Crimes Unit, led by sub-director Adjunct Senior Commissioner Teddy Ardian, at the site on Friday, he said.

“Forest fire cases must be investigated using facts and scientific evidence. We involved five experts with different expertise to ensure a comprehensive investigation,” he said.

The experts include fire specialist Bambang Hero Saharjo, environmental damage expert Basuki Wasis of IPB University, environmental expert Nelson Sitohang, plantation expert Herman Marbun, and a mapping specialist.

The team conducted a comprehensive assessment of the burned land, identifying the ignition point, fire patterns, land and vegetation conditions, and suspected causes.

The assessment also examined environmental damage from the fire. The plantation expert reviewed land characteristics and conditions, while the mapping expert verified the affected area’s size and boundaries.

Ade said the experts’ findings would strengthen the case evidence. Investigators would compare the findings with field facts, including links between the fire site, cause, land conditions, and environmental impacts.

“We want to establish scientifically how the fire started, what caused it, its extent, and the environmental damage. The experts’ findings will support the investigation,” he said.

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Translator: Bayu AA, Rahmad Nasution