16 Suspects Identified In Riau Forest And Land Fires, Disaster Agency Says

JAKARTA, July 22 (Bernama) -- Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has named 16 individuals as suspects in connection with deliberate forest and land burning, as the country battles escalating fire outbreaks across several provinces.

BNPB Chief Lieutenant General Suharyanto said another 11 cases are still under investigation, with all legal processes carried out in accordance with national law.

He emphasised that law enforcement efforts are being conducted in conjunction with firefighting operations to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated response.

“The legal task force has taken action with 16 suspects named. Alongside fire suppression, law enforcement operations ensure a coordinated response,” he said in a statement.

Suharyanto noted that forest and land fires have impacted all districts and cities in Riau, with Bengkalis and Kampar being the worst affected, together accounting for over 100 hectares of burned land.

In total, 12 areas have been affected, including Rokan Hilir, Siak and Indragiri Hilir, where fires have destroyed more than 50 hectares, he added.

To bolster firefighting efforts, he said two patrol helicopters have been deployed and the fleet of water-bombing helicopters increased to five, particularly to compensate if cloud seeding fails to generate rain.

Ground teams have been reinforced with extra equipment and wildfire motorbikes, alongside additional military and police personnel from Riau, he added.

-- BERNAMA