Lawmaker Urges Action Against Corporations Behind Land Burning

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Haze has once again become a concern in parts of Riau as efforts to manage forest and land fires continue.

Mafirion, a lawmaker from the PKB faction in the House of Representatives (DPR), urged the government to go beyond extinguishing fires and evaluate the root causes of these incidents.

Mafirion said forest and land fires should not be treated as a recurring seasonal issue. Instead, they should serve as momentum for the government to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of plantation management and industrial forest plantations (HTI) in Riau.

“I support President Prabowo Subianto’s firm stance. He has instructed law enforcement agencies to investigate indications of corporate involvement and revoke the permits of any company found to have ordered land burning,” said the legislator representing the Riau electoral district in a press statement in Jakarta on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.

He also highlighted the president’s directive regarding three suspects in a fire case who reportedly did not own the plantations where the fires occurred. According to Mafirion, the president ordered that the three suspects be brought to Jakarta for further questioning involving the State Intelligence Agency (BIN).

“If any plantation or industrial forest company is proven to have engaged in land burning, its business license must be revoked. We cannot allow the people of Riau to be victimized year after year while the responsible companies continue operating,” Mafirion stated.

He added that license revocation must be considered seriously if investigations and legal proceedings reveal deliberate intent. Such action is necessary to ensure that fire management efforts do not stop at extinguishing flames but also serve as a deterrent.

Mafirion also called on the government to audit and evaluate plantation and industrial forest companies holding concessions near fire sites. These inspections are needed to determine whether each company’s fire prevention and response systems are functioning effectively.

“It shouldn’t only be the public who is constantly reminded not to burn land. Companies must be held accountable as well,” he said.

He emphasized that concession holders must have adequate prevention systems, including personnel and equipment readiness and sufficient water sources. Monitoring hotspots and maintaining rapid response capabilities are also essential obligations for concession managers.

“The impact of forest and land fires goes beyond environmental damage. Haze can disrupt public health, education, economic activities, and residents’ quality of life,” Mafirion said.

This call to action comes as the number of forest and land fires in Riau remains high throughout 2026. According to data from the Riau Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD), the total area burned between January and August 2026 reached 16,277.50 hectares.

During the same period, 10,514 hotspots were recorded, of which 521 were confirmed as actual fire sites. The government reported that most of these areas have been handled successfully, though approximately 900 hectares across four regencies still require attention.

On August 23, the Riau BPBD reported seven active fire sites across four regencies: Pelalawan, Indragiri Hilir, Indragiri Hulu, and Kampar. Significant fire locations include Kerumutan and Rimba Panjang. (Misni Parjiati)