inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Criminal Investigation Unit of the Bengkalis Sub-regional Police, arrested a suspect for burning 35 hectares of land and illegally occupying forest areas in the North Rupat District.

Bengkalis Sub-regional Police Chief, Superintendent Fahrian Saleh Siregar, stated that the case began with the detection of heat on March 11, 2026, in the Hutan Samak Hamlet, Titik Akar Village.

North Rupat Sector Police personnel, along with the locals, immediately went to the location to extinguish the fire to prevent it from spreading.

"Based on the investigation, witness statements, evidence, and analysis by environmental experts, investigators have named one suspect, identified as PH," explained Fahrian on Thursday (4/9/2026).

He explained that the fire was located in a convertible production forest (HPK). Based on coordination with the Forest Area Stabilization Center (BPKH), the land is considered a state forest area.

The suspect was also unable to produce valid ownership documents, leading to suspicions of illegally occupying or annexing state-owned land.

According to Fahrian, the investigation revealed that prior to the incident, several witnesses had frequently seen the suspect on land, some of which had been planted with oil palms, and the area burned was estimated to be approximately 35 hectares.

He explained that the suspected origin of the fire also pointed to land controlled by the suspect. This was supported by witness statements and satellite image analysis by environmental expert Prof. Bambang Hero Saharjo, which indicated that the fire originated in that area.

"Furthermore, after the fire, the suspect was found absent from the location and left the North Rupat area for approximately two to two and a half weeks, despite being aware of the fire on the land," said Fahrian.

Based on the crime scene investigation, officers also found traces of burning, including indications of a fire source suspected to have originated in that location, further strengthening the suspicion of the suspect's involvement.

The seized evidence included samples of burned soil and charred palm fronds, with the burned soil being mineral soil.

For his actions, the suspect is being charged under several articles related to forestry and environmental protection, which carry criminal penalties in accordance with applicable laws.

"We urge the public not to clear land by burning, given its widespread impact on the environment and public health," Fahrian emphasized.

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