Joint forces are struggling to extinguish hot spots in Sumatera and Kalimantan regions. (Image via The Strait Times)

Indonesia names 5 more corporate suspects to forest fire, pile up to 249

After a series of investigation to the forest fire that leads to haze, the Indonesian Police Force (Polri) revealed that they have detained 249 suspects involved in the forest fire in Sumatera and Kalimantan, compared to Wednesday’s figure, where 230 people and 5 corporations became suspects of the forest fire.

“Until now, there are 249 suspects. There are six corporations, spread throughout regions,” said Irjen M Iqbal, the Head of Public Relations Division of Polri, Friday (20/9).

Iqbal furthermore explained 5 corporations were detained in respective regions: 1 corporation was detained by Riau Police, 1 by South Sulawesi Police, 1 by Central Kalimantan Police, and 2 by West Kalimantan Police. These corporations were detained as suspects due to being irresponsible in handling the fire on their land.

The head of the PR division stated that the list of suspects might increase since Polri is still investigating the case, especially for corporations.

“Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) is in the location, and the land belonging to these 6 suspected corporations is already sealed by the police line. Certainly, the suspects from these corporations are going to add up,” said Iqbal.

Multiple charges are waiting for these 6 corporations with sanctions. Not only fine but also these corporations’ licenses could be revoked.

Currently, joint forces are struggling to extinguish the forest fires that cause haze in neighboring countries.

Source: https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2019/09/20/13251521/bertambah-kini-6-perusahaan-jadi-tersangka-kebakaran-hutan-dan-lahan