Behind the Forest Fires, Corporate Footprints and Suspicions of Neighboring State Involvement

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The investigation into the forest and land fires (karhutla) in Indonesia has entered a new phase.

Police Chief General Suyudi Ario Seto revealed that there is foreign involvement related to companies suspected of causing the fires.

"Yes, there is foreign involvement. There is foreign involvement," the Police Chief stated at a press conference following a meeting at the Palace in Jakarta on Monday (19/10/2026).

However, Suyudi mentioned that the investigation into this foreign involvement is still ongoing.

"We are currently sorting out which parties are involved, whether they are foreign or not," he said.

He emphasized that the foreign parties referred to are neighboring countries.

"Yes, there are neighboring countries involved," he added.

98 Corporate Cases

Additionally, the Police Chief announced that they have escalated 98 police reports (LP) related to karhutla to the investigative stage.

Out of these 98 reports, all are linked to corporate entities.

"So, from the 98 LPs that have been escalated, all are related to corporations that are currently under investigation," Suyudi said.

According to him, the police will soon name suspects.

During this investigative phase, Suyudi mentioned that investigators are still in the process of gathering evidence.

"Therefore, we will certainly name suspects in the near future," he stated.

He indicated that suspects could come from various parties including owners and shareholders.

"Yes, whether as company owners or shareholders responsible for the corporations linked to the occurrence of karhutla in Indonesia," he elaborated.