inp.polri.go.id - Riau. Police have named a man with the initials JP as a suspect in a forest and land fire case involving approximately 4 hectares in Pemandang Village, Rokan IV Koto District, Rokan Hulu Regency, Riau.
JP is suspected of clearing land by burning. Police also suspect the location is in a forest area that is being worked, used, or occupied illegally.
This case came to light after police received information about a hotspot in Pemandang Village on August 24, 2026. Officers then visited the location and found the fire burning felled timber on a hillside.
From the inspection, the area of the burned area is estimated to be approximately 4 hectares.
Rokan Hulu Sub-regional Police Chief, Superintendent Emil Eka Putra, stated that officers also discovered a hut suspected of being connected to activities on the land. Near the hut, police found two chainsaws, which were then secured as evidence.
"At the location, officers discovered a hut suspected of being connected to activities on the land. Two chainsaws were also found near the hut, which were then secured for investigation," said Emil, Saturday (9/5/2026).
Police then tracked down the party controlling or operating the land. The investigation led officers to JP.
On Friday (9/4/2026), JP arrived at the Rokan Hulu Sub-regional Police Station to provide a statement to investigators. After undergoing questioning and a case conference, police stated they had at least two pieces of evidence sufficient to name him a suspect.
"From the series of investigations and the results of the case conference, the person concerned was then named a suspect. Investigators are currently investigating the case, including the activities carried out in the area," Emil explained.
Several pieces of evidence were also seized in the case. These included two chainsaws, three small jerry cans containing Pertalite fuel, two burnt logs, and a cell phone.
JP was charged under the Environmental Protection and Management Law, which prohibits land clearing by burning.
Furthermore, JP is also suspected of violating the Forestry Law, which prohibits illegally working, using, and/or occupying forest areas.
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