inp.polri.go.id - Riau. Police have uncovered the reason behind the forest and land fires in Riau. To date, there are 51 suspects in 41 cases being handled.

"Their modus operandi is to clear forest land by burning for oil palm plantations," explained Riau Regional Police Public Relations Chief Senior Superintendent Anom Karabianto on Monday (7/28/2025).

He said that suspects in forest encroachment are being charged under Article 78 paragraph (2) of the Forestry Law, as amended by Article 36 number 19 of the Job Creation Law. They are also being charged under Article 92 paragraph (1) letter a of Law Number 18 of 2013 concerning the Prevention and Eradication of Forest Destruction, as amended by Article 37 number 16 paragraph (1) letter b of Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number 6 of 2023 concerning the Stipulation of Government Regulation in Lieu of Law Number 2 of 2022 concerning Job Creation into Law.

Then, the suspect in forest fires was charged under Article 50 paragraph (3) letter d in conjunction with Article 78 paragraph (3) of the Forestry Law. Then, article 56 paragraph (1) in conjunction with article 108 of the Plantation Law.

"Apart from that, Article 108 of the PPLH Law, Article 187 of the Criminal Code, and Article 188 of the Criminal Code," he said.

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