South Sumatra Police Report 17 Forest Fire Suspects, Prabowo Demands Firm Action

President Prabowo Subianto has instructed law enforcement to take firm action against perpetrators of forest and land fires (karhutla) in South Sumatra. There are 17 suspects in forest fire cases within the South Sumatra jurisdiction.

During a meeting at the Karhutla Command Post in Palembang, South Sumatra, on Monday (24/8/2026), South Sumatra Police Chief Inspector General Sandi Nugroho reported the results of forest fire case handling in his region. Sandi said police have handled 15 police reports (LP) related to forest fires and named 17 people as suspects.

“Because these forest fires occur every year, we have been preparing for this since the beginning of the year. For example, in February we held a readiness roll call for forest fires as well as a security and public order belt roll call in South Sumatra,” Sandi said during the meeting.

Preparedness for handling forest fires has been carried out since the beginning of the year. In addition to the readiness roll call, officers have also conducted outreach and education to communities in villages.

“From the activities we have monitored and carried out, we are currently handling 15 police reports during the forest fire period and have detained 17 suspects,” he said.

According to Sandi, the government already has regulations that clearly prohibit forest and land burning. Therefore, these regulations serve as the basis for police to take action against perpetrators of burning.

“There is a Home Affairs Ministerial Instruction. The prohibition has been clearly made in a Presidential Instruction, so we are even stronger in following up,” he said.

After hearing the report, Prabowo confirmed the number of perpetrators who had been arrested by officers.

“How many have been arrested?” Prabowo asked.

“17, Sir,” Sandi replied.

Prabowo asked Sandi to explore the motives of the perpetrators in burning the land. “What are their motivations?” Prabowo asked.

In Sandi’s explanation, based on examinations of the suspects, the burnings were mostly carried out to facilitate the land clearing process.

“The motivations we have examined are mostly to open land, to make land clearing easier,” Sandi revealed.

However, Sandi believes there are other motives in land burning cases. Sandi cited the case of burning sugarcane plantations belonging to PTPN that occurred in South Sumatra.

According to him, there is a belief that burning sugarcane plants before harvest can increase yield and make the sugarcane taste sweeter. In fact, this practice has been banned because it can have an impact on other areas.

“Like last night, there were arrests at 2 locations. One was clearing land, and the other involved a PTPN sugarcane plantation. There is an anomaly where sugarcane, when it is about to be harvested, if burned, the yield will increase and the taste will be sweeter. But we have reminded them from the start that this is not allowed because it impacts other areas,” he said.

“Last night we arrested 2 members of the public for burning the sugarcane plantation, and they will be examined in accordance with applicable regulations,” Sandi added.

Upon hearing the report, Prabowo reiterated that forest fire perpetrators must not be left alone. Prabowo instructed officers to take firm action against the perpetrators causing forest fires.

“They must be dealt with firmly. Arrest them if necessary,” Prabowo stressed.