Indonesia Pursue Legal Enforcement Against Forest and Land Fire Violators

Jakarta: Indonesia's Ministry of Forestry reaffirmed its continued legal enforcement against forest and land fire violators, ranging from administrative penalties to criminal charges, while continuing firefighting efforts.

"Alongside ongoing firefighting operations, suspected permit violations have been uncovered," Director General of Forestry Enforcement at the ministry, Dwi Januanto Nugroho, said in a statement in Jakarta, quoted from Antara, Tuesday October 20, 2026.

Investigators are building evidence to target beneficial owners linked to fires in concession areas.

"In addition to administrative sanctions and criminal prosecution, legal action to seek compensation for forest damage remains open if investigations establish clear liability," Nugroho said.

He underscored forest and land fires draw international attention, particularly regarding transboundary haze.

Indonesia signed the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution in 2002 and ratified it through Law Number 26/2014.

In this regard, the Indonesian government remains committed to the AATHP by stepping up fire suppression, protecting public health, and tightening law enforcement.

Alongside regional agreements, strengthening domestic policies across ASEAN member states remains critical to mitigate haze impacts.

"Strengthening regulatory authorities reflects ASEAN's shared commitment to addressing forest and land fires," Nugroho stressed.

From a law enforcement perspective, this policy alignment supports the ministry's "multidoor" approach, which combines administrative sanctions, criminal prosecution, and civil suits for ecosystem damage.

Nugroho assured the ministry remains focused on extinguishing active fires and managing haze impacts, while monitoring permit holders' compliance with the ecosystem restoration mandate.

At the same time, criminal investigations remain ongoing to hold all responsible parties accountable.

"All of these measures are aimed at controlling fires and haze impacts, strengthening compliance, ensuring the restoration of affected areas, and preventing recurring forest fires," Nugroho remarked.