Indonesian police arrest 72 people suspected of starting forest fires

Jakarta, Indonesia (AP) — Indonesian authorities have apprehended 72 individuals suspected of igniting forest and peatland fires, as severe blazes in central and western parts of the country have produced hazardous haze. The National Disaster Management Agency, or BNPB, reports that Indonesia is grappling with fires fueled by an intensifying El Niño pattern and an extended dry season, resulting in thick smoke that has spread into neighboring Malaysia.

Fires are a persistent issue in Indonesia, placing strain on relations with nearby nations. According to Mohammad Irhamni, director of special crimes at the National Police’s Criminal Investigation Agency, plantation owners and traditional farmers commonly ignite fires to clear land for cultivation. Irhamni stated that the arson suspects are currently being investigated in relation to 89 forest and land fire cases across five provinces on Borneo and four on Sumatra.

Most of the suspects are accused of intentionally burning land to clear areas for plantations at a reduced cost. Ongoing investigations are tracing financial records to ascertain whether companies funded or ordered the land clearing, indicating the probe could broaden beyond those apprehended. Irhami emphasized in a press conference in Jakarta on Sunday that they will "not stop at the perpetrators on the ground."

They aim to determine who profited from these activities and who was ultimately responsible. The suspects could face penalties ranging from substantial fines to imprisonment terms of up to 15 years, he added.