Indonesian police name 7 companies, 133 people suspected of causing forest fires

Indonesian police said Thursday they have identified seven companies and 133 individuals suspected of causing forest fires that are spreading choking smoke and polluted air across parts of western Indonesia and neighboring Malaysia and Singapore.

Originally published by Innovation Forum and reproduced with permission.

In neighbouring Singapore, the haze has been hovering between the unhealthy range of 101-200 for the past few weeks.

Additionally, Indonesia has developed standard operating procedures in preventing and suppressing land and/or forest fires; strengthened and raised community awareness through public education; introduced early prevention activities or trainings; strengthened the institutions and legislations that support zero burning policy; and coordinated law enforcement across different agencies, including the Corruption Eradication Committee (KPK) and the National Police.

Despite these continuing efforts, the haze has recurred.

Correspondents say such arrests are rare, but could result in fines and prison sentences of up to 15 years.

Shanmugam also said that the transboundary haze had a negative economic impact on the entire region, including Indonesia.

It said protective respiratory masks will be available for spectators “at cost price” while medical and first aid posts will be on standby “to handle any possible haze-related conditions”. Experts are sceptical.

Although the smog has also spread to Malaysia and Singapore, the Indonesian government has rejected assistance from Singapore for a second time. Indonesia’s forest fire problems are moderate compared to other parts of the world. Suharsono said some of the suspects have been arrested. “Therefore, I’ve brought Health Ministry secretary-general [Untung Soeseno Sutarjo] on my visit to Riau, as it is his ministry that properly understands the technical procedures to tackle the crisis Riau residents are now facing”, said Siti. Meijaard says peatland burning has “almost no function” and can lead to flooding, so it is in the interest of local communities to restore their ecosystems.

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But for the longer term, hopes rest on Indonesia seizing the opportunity offered by the United Nations climate summit in Paris that starts on 30 November. The land that burns is also extremely carbon rich, raising Indonesia’s contribution to climate change. Its Indonesia-based media person didn’t respond immediately to our request for more information.