Indonesia Arrests 139 Over Arson in Major Wildfire Crackdown

Indonesian police have arrested at least 139 suspects on arson charges amid a major wildfire outbreak that continues to spread and cause heavy destruction, prompting questions about whether enforcement efforts can truly stop those behind the fires.

In Riau province on eastern Sumatra, police have identified 49 suspects in 45 separate arson cases that have burned nearly 18,750 acres of forest. Ade Guntur Ridwan, head of the special crimes division at Riau Provincial Police, said all wildfire cases will be thoroughly investigated from the point of ignition to those responsible, and legal action will be taken immediately if sufficient evidence of wrongdoing is found.

Ridwan added that law enforcement is being carried out alongside preventive measures such as regular patrols, early detection of wildfires, and public awareness campaigns about bans on land clearing by burning.

In Central Kalimantan province, police have arrested 25 suspects linked to 62 separate arson cases, while thick haze from the wildfires continues to blanket the province. General Ivan Kurniawan, commander of Central Kalimantan Provincial Police, said law enforcement is central to the strategy for tackling the province's wildfire and land burning problem, with police focusing on prevention through deterrence from the outset.

National Police Commander General Listyo Sigit Prabowo said police have identified 138 suspects across 200 wildfire cases nationwide. Of these, 119 are accused of intentionally setting fires, while 19 are linked to fires caused by negligence. Police say the number of suspects may increase as investigations continue across various regions.

Authorities are also investigating the possible involvement of companies in the wildfires. Eight companies have been charged in connection with wildfire cases, and investigations are ongoing into potential criminal liability involving 60 additional companies.