Ministry of Forestry Processes 46 Suspected Land and Forest Fire Perpetrators, 2 Cases Ready for Trial

The Ministry of Forestry, through the Directorate General of Forestry Law Enforcement (Gakkum Kehutanan), is processing 46 cases of alleged forest and land fires (karhutla) across several regions of Indonesia. Of that number, 15 involve corporations and 31 involve individuals. Two of the cases have reached P21 status, indicating their case files are complete and ready for trial in court.

Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni said the legal status of the perpetrators varies, ranging from investigation, inquiry, to prosecution stage. "Currently there are 46 cases in process, consisting of 15 corporations and 31 individuals. Two of them are already at P21, the rest are still at the investigation and inquiry stage," he said after a working meeting with House Commission IV in Jakarta, Wednesday (16/7).

In addition to criminal proceedings, the Ministry of Forestry has also imposed administrative sanctions on 26 companies by freezing their business permits. The sanctions come with an obligation to restore the environment. "We have frozen the permits of 26 companies. First, freezing of business permits; second, forced environmental restoration," Raja Juli stressed. He added that his office does not rule out other criminal elements that may emerge as the cases are deepened.

Raja Juli stressed that handling karhutla cannot rely solely on law enforcement officers. He called for active public participation to report and prevent fires. According to him, the karhutla risk will remain high until early November. "I ask that it be conveyed to the public that karhutla will still be with us until October or early November," he said.

"We have frozen the permits of 26 companies. First, freezing of business permits; second, forced environmental restoration." — Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni

Karhutla cases are a serious concern because of their wide-ranging impacts, from ecosystem damage, cross-border air pollution, to economic losses. Freezing company permits is a firm step, but its effectiveness depends on consistent supervision and law enforcement. On the other hand, legal proceedings against corporations often drag on, so accelerated handling is needed.

For Indonesia, handling karhutla also affects climate commitments and diplomatic relations with neighboring countries such as Malaysia and Singapore, which are often affected by the haze. Success in prosecuting perpetrators can strengthen Indonesia's position in international environmental negotiations. Conversely, failure in law enforcement could tarnish Indonesia's image in the eyes of investors and the global public.

Going forward, the public will watch whether the two cases already at P21 actually reach court and how they are decided. In addition, supervision of the companies whose permits have been frozen must be ensured, so there is no loophole for them to operate again illegally. Public participation is key to preventing karhutla from spreading, especially during the peak of the dry season.