inp.polri.go.id - Pekanbaru. The Riau Regional Police's Special Criminal Investigation Directorate has involved five experts from various fields in the investigation of the forest and land fires in Bandar Kaya Village, Siak Kecil District, Bengkalis Regency.
The Director of the Riau Regional Police's Special Criminal Investigation Directorate, Senior Superintendent Ade Kuncoro Ridwan, stated that the fire location is within the Land Use Rights (HGU) area of PT Teguh Karsa Wana Lestari (TKWL), which caught fire in early August 2026.
"Handling forest and land fire cases must be based on facts and scientific evidence. Therefore, we are involving five experts with different competencies so that the investigation can uncover the case comprehensively," he said in Pekanbaru on Friday (8/21/2026).
The five experts involved are Prof. Bambang Hero Saharjo as a fire expert; Prof. Basuki Wasis from the Bogor Agricultural Institute as an environmental damage expert; Ir. Nelson Sitohang is an environmental expert, Herman Marbun is a horticultural expert, and a mapping expert.
A thorough inspection of the burned land was conducted. The team identified the fire's origin, fire pattern, land and vegetation conditions, and suspected factors that caused the fire.
An assessment was also conducted to determine the extent of environmental damage caused by the fire. The horticultural expert examined the characteristics and condition of the land, while the mapping expert determined the extent and boundaries of the affected area.
Commissioner Ade stated that the experts' statements and assessment results will be used to strengthen the evidence in the case. Investigators will compare the results of the examination with facts on the ground, including the relationship between the fire's location, cause, land conditions, and environmental impact.
"It's not just about finding the fire's origin or securing evidence. We want to scientifically determine how the fire started, what caused it, the extent of its impact, and the extent of the environmental damage. All expert examination results will form part of the evidence in the investigation process," he emphasized.
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