JAMBI | INDATANEWS.COM - Jambi Provincial Police recorded 19 criminal investigations into suspected forest and land fires between January and October 2026. Investigators named 16 people as suspects, while the total area burned reached 112.3531 hectares.
Jambi Police Chief Inspector General Widodo presented the figures at a press conference on Thursday, 29 October 2026, at Jambi Provincial Police Headquarters. According to the Directorate of Special Criminal Investigation, as of 28 October 2026, four cases had reached the second stage of proceedings, when suspects and evidence are handed over to the public prosecutor.
The figures underline that tackling forest and land fires involves more than extinguishing flames. Criminal investigations, environmental protection and accountability for damage to affected land are also essential. Several cases involve company concessions and suspected land clearing by burning.
Widodo said police would investigate every case based on the available evidence and applicable legislation.
"Jambi Provincial Police are committed to pursuing forest and land fire offences in accordance with the evidence and the law. Between January and October 2026, we recorded 19 cases, named 16 suspects and documented 112.3531 hectares of burned land," Widodo said.
Investigations Across Jambi Province
The 16 suspects are linked to cases in several parts of Jambi Province. The Directorate of Special Criminal Investigation at Jambi Provincial Police is handling cases involving two suspects, while Jambi City Police are investigating one. Other cases involve one suspect in Muaro Jambi, four in West Tanjung Jabung, one in East Tanjung Jabung, one in Batanghari, two in Tebo, one in Bungo, two in Sarolangun and one in Merangin.
The distribution shows that suspected forest and land fire offences have been reported across a wide area of the province. Investigators are examining the circumstances of each incident, the extent of the damage, the evidence collected and any potential breaches of environmental or plantation regulations.
One of the largest fires occurred in Lubuk Napal, Pauh District, Sarolangun Regency. The blaze affected approximately 76.6 hectares of land within the concession area of PT SH. The investigation was still ongoing at the time of the press conference.
Investigators are examining whether environmental protection and land management regulations were breached, including whether the fire caused environmental damage or exceeded applicable environmental limits. Legal responsibility will be determined from the findings and evidence in accordance with the law.
Given the extent of the affected area, the Sarolangun case remains a major focus of the investigation. However, criminal liability must be established through evidence of the alleged offence and the involvement of the individuals or other parties concerned.
FOREST AND LAND FIRE INVESTIGATIONS ACROSS JAMBI:
Jambi Police Chief Inspector General Widodo says forest and land fire cases are being investigated on the basis of verified facts, evidence and applicable legislation. (PHOTO: Dalil Harahap)
Evidence Collected in Suspected Arson Cases
Police are also investigating several other significant cases. In Baru Nalo village, Nalo Tantan District, Merangin Regency, a fire affected approximately six hectares within the concession area of PT JB.
Investigators seized several items that may be connected to the incident, including a motorbike, a gas lighter, a bag, two headlamps, coconut husk fibre remains, a petrol-filled container and a knife. Their possible links to the suspected offence are being examined.
Another fire occurred in Bungku village, Bajubang District, Batanghari Regency, where approximately five hectares of land within PT RK's concession area were burned. The case also involves suspected plantation activities within a forest area.
Police collected burned wood and ash, oil palm trunks, corrugated metal sheets, nylon cord and wooden stakes. The evidence is being examined to establish what activities took place at the site and whether any laws were breached.
Meanwhile, investigators are examining suspected land clearing by burning in Rantau Panjang village, Kumpeh District, Muaro Jambi Regency. The affected area covers approximately five hectares.
Two pieces of burned wood and ash were collected as evidence. Investigators are continuing to reconstruct the incident and establish legal responsibility based on the available evidence.
Widodo said the cases involved several suspected methods, including clearing or preparing plantation land by burning, setting fire to forest areas and carrying out plantation activities within forest land.
"Our investigations focus on establishing the offence and the legal responsibility of the parties involved. Every case is handled professionally and transparently, with decisions based on verified facts, evidence and applicable legislation," he said.
CALL TO PREVENT FOREST AND LAND FIRES: The
Jambi Police Chief urges residents and companies not to clear land by burning and to report suspected forest and land fires to the police without delay. (PHOTO: Dalil Harahap)
Police Warn of Health and Environmental Risks
Investigators are applying the relevant legislation according to the suspected offences and the evidence collected. The laws include Law No. 32 of 2009 on Environmental Protection and Management, Law No. 39 of 2014 on Plantations, and relevant provisions of Indonesia's Criminal Code.
Widodo urged residents and companies not to clear or prepare land by burning. He warned that such practices can damage ecosystems, threaten public health and cause social and economic harm, both near fire sites and in communities affected by smoke.
"Residents and companies must not clear land by burning. Forest and land fires damage the environment and can disrupt people's health and daily activities. We must work together to protect the environment and prevent fires across Jambi Province," he said.
He also encouraged the public to help prevent fires and report suspected offences to the police promptly, stressing that information from residents can help authorities respond to potential violations at an early stage.
"Public participation is essential in preventing and tackling forest and land fires. Anyone with information about land being burned should report it to the police so that appropriate action can be taken. Jambi Provincial Police will continue to strengthen prevention, monitoring and law enforcement to protect residents and preserve the province's environment," Widodo said.
The press conference reaffirmed Jambi Provincial Police's commitment to pursuing forest and land fire cases. Police also called on residents, businesses and relevant stakeholders to strengthen prevention efforts and help protect the environment, public health and economic activities across the province. (IDNC)
REPORTER:
Dalil Harahap | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala