Indonesia names 11 companies as suspects in forest fire probes

A firefighter battles a fast-moving brush fire amidst heavy smoke in Tegal Arum, Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan, on October 20, 2026. — AFP pic

By Malay Mail

First Published: Thursday, 22 Oct 2026 9:07 AM MYT

JAKARTA, Oct 22 — Indonesian police have named 11 companies as suspects in investigations into forest and land fires, including three foreign-invested firms, as authorities intensify enforcement against businesses linked to the blazes.

National Police Chief General Suyudi Ario Seto disclosed the figures on Wednesday, Antara reported, saying investigators had encountered no major obstacles but were not yet ready to identify the companies.

Suyudi said those held accountable could include not only the companies but also their owners and shareholders.

The investigations follow an earlier announcement by the police Criminal Investigation Agency that 98 reports involving corporations linked to forest fires had been upgraded to the formal investigation stage.

Police are expected to disclose further suspects as evidence is gathered and legal requirements are fulfilled.

Separately, the Forestry Ministry has suspended the permits of six more companies operating in Central Kalimantan, bringing the number of forestry firms facing administrative sanctions to 32.

Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni said the six companies were also ordered to restore areas affected by fires.

The companies are PT Produk Kalimantan Jaya, PT Taiyong Engreen, PT Hutan Produk Lestari, PT Ramang Agro Lestari, PT Puspa Warna Cemerlang and PT Sinergi Hutan Sejati.

Their concessions cover a combined 201,391 hectares, including 7,531 hectares affected by recent fires.

The ministry’s sanctions now cover 32 companies managing more than 1.9 million hectares of concessions, of which 18,489 hectares have been affected by fires.

Raja Juli warned that the companies could also face criminal proceedings if investigations found evidence of deliberate wrongdoing or criminal intent.