Prabowo Threatens License Revocations for Companies Behind Forest Fires

President Prabowo Subianto has threatened to revoke the business licenses of companies responsible for forest fires in Indonesia. Speaking during a virtual meeting on handling karhutla (wildfires) on August 24, 2026, Prabowo emphasized that he would not show favoritism when dealing with companies implicated in forest fires. He stated that any corporation, even if there is a slight indication of involvement in ordering the burning, will have their permits revoked. This includes revoking all corporate licenses, according to Prabowo.

The Gerindra Party Chair called on law enforcement officials to investigate indications of company involvement in forest fires. Prabowo further stated that corporations providing burning instructions should be held accountable, not just the perpetrators on the ground. He also deployed intelligence to uncover these allegations, urging the police and prosecutor's office to investigate immediately if there are indications of corporate involvement.

Prabowo visited provinces affected by forest fires in the past few days, including West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, Riau, and South Sumatra. After his visits, he led a coordination meeting for handling karhutla in these regions. He urged a comprehensive extinguishment of fires and stronger prevention measures to prevent recurring fires every dry season.

Prabowo emphasized that the prevention system must be strengthened, including permanent surveillance and early detection of hotspots starting from boreholes, reservoirs, and other water sources. He also stressed the need for the readiness of villages prone to karhutla, with prevention measures implemented long before a fire appears.