How Police Are Probing Kalimantan Forest Fires

August 22, 2026 | 09:12 am

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo stated that authorities are investigating the causes of widespread forest and land fires across Kalimantan. Sigit noted that several individuals involved in land burning have been detained.

"We are conducting a probe and investigation into the incidents. We have apprehended several individuals," Sigit said in Surabaya on Friday, August 21, 2026, as quoted from a written statement.

However, Sigit stopped short of disclosing preliminary findings from the fire investigation or identifying those held accountable. He said that alongside investigation efforts, law enforcement officers are assisting ground task forces with fire suppression.

Prior to his statement, the Ministry of Forestry assured that legal action will be taken against any violations leading to wildfires.

Ristianto Pribadi, Head of the Bureau of Public Relations and Foreign Cooperation at the Ministry of Forestry, stated that the government and law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the cause of each fire event.

"If deliberate intent, negligence, or failures to comply with fire prevention obligations are uncovered, law enforcement will proceed in accordance with regulations," Ristianto said in a written statement on Friday, August 21, 2026.

Ristianto reiterated that residents and businesses are prohibited from clearing land using fire. Meanwhile, amid dense smoke generated by the forest fires, Ristianto urged affected communities to wear masks and limit outdoor activities when air quality worsens.

Read: Worsening Haze Shuts Hundreds of Sarawak Schools

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