inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Senior political and legal observer Boni Harges believes the arrest of the perpetrators of the forest and land fires is a strong signal that the state is present and serious about protecting Kalimantan's natural resources from exploitation and destruction that threatens the sustainability of the ecosystem.

"In a broader context, this case confirms that environmental issues, particularly forest fires, are certainly not merely ecological issues, but a real test of the capacity and integrity of law enforcement in Indonesia," Boni said in a statement received in Jakarta on Monday (8/24/2026).

With this success by the police, he hopes it will set a positive precedent that encourages more consistent, systematic, and uncompromising action against all forms of environmental crime in the future.

He said this case serves as an important reminder that environmental crimes are serious crimes that require a legal response commensurate with the impact they have on nature and Indonesian society.

However, according to Boni, the actions taken by the police this time are not merely reactive responses, but rather reflect an institutional commitment that aligns with the various core principles established by the police leadership.

He considered the police's success in handling the case a concrete example of the implementation of the PRECISION principle, which emphasizes a data-driven approach, accountability, and services that prioritize the interests of the wider community.

"This step is proof that the police's institutional reform is on the right track," he said.

He added that the police's success in handling the forest fires in Kalimantan not only has a law enforcement dimension but also has significant political implications.

He said that this decisive step is a real "credit point" for the National Police institution in building and maintaining a positive public perception of its overall performance.

Thus, Boni believes that the police's swift and measured action in handling environmental crimes strengthens the institution's legitimacy in the eyes of the wider community, by increasing public trust, which has long been the main foundation of effective law enforcement.

(ad/inp/pr/rs)