Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta.  The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has named 44 suspects in connection with 35 forest and peatland fire cases in Riau between January and July 2025. 

The fires, many set to clear land, including protected forest, are under criminal investigation.

“This is a concrete step to deter similar actions,” said BNPB Chief Suharyanto, on Wednesday (23/7/2025), emphasizing that most fires were human-induced. 

He warned that both  individuals and companies proven guilty will face legal consequences.

Minister of Foresty Raja Juli Antoni said that his ministry observed forest fires in Pujud and Bangko Pusako areas.

“It's clear these fires were for land clearing for palm oil,” he said, as quoted by antaranews.com

The Environment Ministry recorded 790 hotspots with 27 active fires. Burned land has nearly doubled to 1,000 hectares in 24 hours. Firefighting teams deployed helicopters and weather modification tech to induce rain.

“Don’t play with fire, you will be arrested,” Minister Raja Juli  warned.

Authorities continue investigations amid extreme drought risks.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)