PALMOILMAGAZINE, PEKANBARU — The Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLH), together with the Environmental Control Agency (BPLH), has taken firm action against forest and land fires (karhutla) in Riau Province. By July 2025, the ministry’s Environmental Law Enforcement Division (Gakkum) had sealed off several companies linked to fire incidents.
This decisive move follows intensive monitoring during the first half of the year. The Gakkum team detected multiple fire hotspots within the concession areas of six companies—four of which are palm oil plantations and forest utilization permit (PBPH) holders, while one is a palm oil processing plant.
“Permit holders are legally obligated to ensure their land does not burn. There is zero tolerance for negligence. Fire mitigation is a core responsibility, and anyone found guilty—whether through carelessness or deliberate action—will face strict legal consequences,” stressed Deputy for Environmental Law Enforcement, Inspector General Rizal Irawan.
The following companies have been sanctioned with site closures and operational suspensions:
- PT Adei Crumb Rubber – 5 hotspots (moderate confidence)
- PT Multi Gambut Industri – 5 hotspots (moderate)
- PT Tunggal Mitra Plantation – 2 hotspots (moderate)
- PT Sumatera Riang Lestari – 13 hotspots (moderate)
- PT Jatim Jaya Perkasa – 1 hotspot (high confidence); this palm oil mill was sealed due to air pollution caused by chimney emissions in Rokan Hilir Regency.
Another company is currently under further investigation, with additional evidence being collected to determine the appropriate legal course.
Multi-Track Legal Enforcement
KLH/BPLH reaffirmed its commitment to using the full range of legal instruments—criminal, civil, and administrative—to hold violators accountable and deter future offenses, especially as the dry season peaks.
“We will not tolerate land burning by corporations. Firm legal enforcement is necessary to ensure no business entity neglects its environmental responsibilities,” said Ardyanto Nugroho, Director of Complaints and Monitoring at KLH, in a statement quoted by Palmoilmagazine.com on Saturday (26/7/2025).
KLH/BPLH also urged businesses to strengthen fire prevention measures, including canal blocking, construction of water reservoirs, and regular integrated patrols.
This strong stance serves as a warning to all concession holders to take their environmental responsibilities seriously. The government remains fully committed to protecting forests and land from recurring ecological disasters caused by fires. (P2)
