President Prabowo calls for tighter rules to curb forest and peatland fires

In a televised discussion with academics about peatland management, President Prabowo warned that current local bylaws in eight districts let landowners burn up to two hectares for agricultural clearing, creating a major fire risk. He asserted that enforcement actions are insufficient unless those legal gaps are eliminated. Prabowo announced that investigations into corporations suspected of deliberately setting fires will continue.

He called for immediate amendment of the regulations to close the loophole. The remarks come as severe El Niño-driven drought and slash-and-burn practices have sparked widespread fires across Sumatra, Kalimantan and Papua, producing hazardous haze that has caused respiratory problems and school closures. The president emphasized a firm stance on fire prevention and stricter oversight of corporate land clearing.