Riau Regional Police Lead in Forest and Land Fire Enforcement, Suspects Rise to 49
The Indonesian National Police (Polri) has reaffirmed its commitment to investigating forest and land fire (karhutla) crimes across Indonesia. To date, Polri has named a total of 112 suspects between January and September 2026.
Of the 112 suspects, the largest number of enforcement actions was carried out by Riau Regional Police (Polda Riau). According to the latest data, Polda Riau has arrested 49 suspects.
“The action taken against these 49 suspects is proof of the uncompromising commitment of Polda Riau. Anyone who deliberately or negligently burns forests and land, damaging the ecosystem and threatening public health, will certainly be processed firmly under the law to create a deterrent effect,” declared Riau Police Chief Inspector General Herry Heryawan on Monday (7/9/2026).
Inspector General Herry said the law enforcement effort aims to break the chain of environmental crime. Polda Riau stressed it will not discriminate and will act against every perpetrator of land and forest burning, whether individuals or corporations.
“Whether individuals or corporations, if there are any, we will take firm action,” he reiterated.
Beyond law enforcement, Polda Riau is also pursuing an approach based on the concept of Green Policing. Through Green Policing, Polda Riau not only enforces the law but also takes pre-emptive and preventive measures by prioritising collaboration with all elements of society.
“Through the spirit of Green Policing, the handling of karhutla in Riau is not merely repressive or about prosecuting perpetrators in the field. The police are focusing on sustainable environmental protection, prioritising education, early prevention and environmental restoration to safeguard the future of our region,” he added.
The police general, familiarly known as Herimen, said protecting nature is everyone’s obligation. He and his staff therefore continue to encourage public awareness not to clear land by burning.
“Karhutla prevention is a shared responsibility. We invite all elements of society and stakeholders to change their mindset in land management. Stop the practice of clearing land by burning to keep Riau free from haze.”
Previously, Polda Riau and its subordinate police forces had named 42 suspects in karhutla cases. The latest data shows the number of suspects has risen to 49, from a total of 45 police reports (LP). Of those 45 cases, 26 are under investigation, 2 case files have been declared complete (P19), and 17 others have been handed over (stage 2) to the prosecutor’s office.