Indonesian authorities are investigating 98 cases involving corporations suspected of links to forest and land fires, including some with possible foreign involvement, as the government steps up firefighting efforts and discusses assistance from Singapore.
National Police Chief Suyudi Ario Seto said on October 19 that all 98 cases had reached the investigation stage, with officers gathering evidence before identifying suspects.
Speaking to reporters after a Cabinet meeting chaired by President Prabowo Subianto, Suyudi confirmed that foreign parties were linked to some of the cases, including parties from neighbouring countries. However, he declined to name the countries or companies involved, saying investigators were still determining which cases involved foreign investment or foreign entities.
“There is foreign involvement,” Suyudi said.
He added that authorities expected to name suspects in the near future, including company owners or shareholders found responsible for corporations connected to the fires.
Police are continuing to collect evidence before making formal announcements about those implicated.
32 Companies Face Administrative Sanctions
Separately, Indonesia’s Forestry Ministry announced on October 19 that it had imposed administrative sanctions on 32 companies over forest fires, an increase from the previous figure of 26.
The companies were linked to fires affecting a combined area of 12,926.74 hectares of land, according to the ministry.
The investigations and sanctions come as Indonesia continues to confront recurring forest and land fires, which can cause widespread environmental damage and contribute to haze across parts of Southeast Asia.
Singapore Assistance Under Discussion
Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Dudung Abdurachman confirmed that Indonesia was discussing assistance from Singapore through the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB).
“There will also be assistance from Singapore, which will be discussed with the head of BNPB,” Dudung said, without providing further details.
He said Indonesia had responded positively to an offer of assistance involving three aircraft and 52 personnel.
Malaysia has also offered support. Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said earlier on October 19 that his country had offered a Bombardier CL-415MP aircraft, three helicopters and 50 personnel.
However, Malaysia was awaiting formal approval from Indonesia before deploying the resources.
Government Mobilises Thousands to Fight Fires
Dudung defended the government’s response, saying authorities had mobilised 60,000 personnel and 47 aircraft to combat the fires.
He acknowledged that fires on peatland were particularly difficult to contain and appealed to the public to recognise the scale of the ongoing response.
“We have made every possible effort,” he said, urging people not to accept claims suggesting the government was doing nothing.
Dudung said military personnel, police officers and other agencies were involved in the firefighting operations.
He added that President Prabowo had ordered a broader deployment of military, police and forestry personnel, alongside aerial firefighting operations using Hercules aircraft.
Prabowo Orders Early Prevention Measures
Beyond emergency response, Prabowo has directed companies and security personnel to strengthen fire prevention, including through the construction of bore wells and water storage facilities in areas vulnerable to recurring fires.
According to Dudung, the president stressed that forest fires would continue to pose a recurring challenge, although their frequency could vary from year to year.
The government has therefore been instructed to begin preventive measures early, rather than waiting for fires to break out and spread.
“Do not wait for the rain to fall. Take action immediately,” Dudung said, repeating the president’s message following the Cabinet meeting.
The investigations into the 98 corporate cases are expected to determine responsibility for the fires, while Indonesia continues to coordinate domestic and international resources to strengthen its response.
