Indonesian police expand probe to 20 firms over South Sumatra forest fires
Police in South Sumatra are investigating 20 companies suspected of causing forest and land fires, with 42 reports naming 52 suspects.
South Sumatra police have widened their inquiry into corporate involvement in forest and land fires, now targeting 20 companies across the Ogan Komering Ilir, Ogan Ilir and Banyuasin regencies. Chief Inspector General Rony Samtana said the number of firms under scrutiny rose from 16, and that 42 police reports have been filed, naming 52 suspects. The probe uses Articles 108 and 116 of Indonesia’s Environmental Protection and Management Law to hold companies accountable.
In parallel, investigators are handling individual cases and have received 20 reports tied to a single suspect. The total area under investigation totals 133.81 hectares, with roughly 811.49 hectares sealed off. National Police Chief General Suyudi Ario Seto previously noted 98 fire cases involving corporations and indicated that suspects would be named soon.
Why it matters
The probe could set precedents for corporate liability in Indonesia's recurring forest-fire crisis.
How this story developed
- Sep 28 Civil groups sue Indonesian government over West Kalimantan fire negligence
- Oct 8 Prime Minister Anwar said the worsening haze is a serious health risk and has asked President Prabowo to take action, while Malaysia ramps up cloud seeding.
- Oct 10 The class‑action suit moved to a hearing in Pontianak, where no defendants were present.
- Oct 15 The government, led by Sustainability and Environment Minister Grace Fu, is gathering evidence and keeping legal options open as PSI levels in western Singapore entered the very unhealthy range. The 2014 law allows fines up to S$100,000 per day, capped at S$2 million, for companies whose fires produce prolonged haze. Enforcement has been challenging, with limited data from Indonesian authorities and four firms still under investigation. Fu also urged Indonesia to curb the fires and called for ASEAN cooperation.
- Oct 16 President Prabowo appointed army general Kristomei Sianturi to lead BNPB.
- Oct 16 Indonesia formally accepted regional assistance and technical talks on its implementation are underway.
- Oct 16 Legal notices were served on seven Indonesian firms for their role in the haze.
- Oct 19 Student Alliance of Gadjah Mada University addressed ASEAN Secretary‑General urging scrutiny of Indonesia’s compliance and acceptance of regional firefighting support.
- Oct 19 Malaysia specified that it will provide three helicopters and 52 firefighters to support Indonesia’s fire‑fighting efforts.
- Oct 20 Indonesia’s BNPB and army chief launched a joint firefighting push in Central Kalimantan.
- Oct 22 President Prabowo publicly blamed corporations and pledged to identify them.
- Oct 23 Malaysia said it will raise the haze issue with Indonesia at the upcoming ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting.
- Oct 23 Energy minister Bahlil announced a review of Indonesia's gas allocation, aiming to shift more supply toward local petrochemical use.
- Oct 25 Indonesia announced the cut in pipeline gas shipments to Singapore.
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