inp.polri.go.id - Pekanbaru. The Riau Regional Police have named 61 suspects in 58 wildfire cases from January to September 2026. Of these cases, the area affected by the fires reached approximately 3,387.73 hectares.
Handling of forest and land fire cases in Riau involves not only extinguishing and preventing the fires, but also investigating those suspected of being responsible for the fires.
The Director of Special Criminal Investigation at the Riau Regional Police, Senior Superintendent Ade Kuncoro Ridwan, stated that investigators continue to thoroughly investigate each case. Investigations are directed not only at those known to have started the fires but also at the status and ownership of the land, including those suspected of benefiting from the burning.
"Investigators are not just asking who started the fires. The investigation is being conducted comprehensively, including examining the status and ownership of the land, the purpose of the burning, and who benefited from the act," Ade Kuncoro emphasized on Thursday (9/17/2026).
He explained that the investigation into the forest and land fire case was conducted using a scientific crime investigation approach. In the process, investigators relied on crime scene investigations (TKP), expert testimony, documents, and other evidence to thoroughly uncover the case.
Land status and ownership are among the important aspects investigated by investigators. Based on the facts found in the field, investigators can also apply other legal provisions, including the Law on Environmental Protection and Management and forestry regulations if fires occur in forest areas.
Meanwhile, the Head of Public Relations of the Riau Regional Police, Senior Commissioner Akmadi, emphasized that handling forest and land fires requires a collaborative effort from various parties. He stated that efforts cannot rely solely on one institution.
"Handling forest and land fires requires collective involvement. Relying on just one institution is not enough; it must be built through collaboration across all elements, using a data-based approach and facts on the ground," Akmadi said.
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