243 Individuals and 13 Corporations Named Suspects in Karhutla Case, DPR Member: Ensure Progress

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - I Wayan Sudirta, a member of Commission III of the House of Representatives from the PDI-P faction, has cautioned the National Police regarding the handling of cases related to forest and land fires (karhutla). Sudirta noted that environmental cases often stagnate.

So far, the National Police have named 243 individuals and 13 corporations as suspects in karhutla cases.

"Environmental cases frequently stall midway (SP3) due to a lack of evidence or the complexity of proving ecological damage," Sudirta told Kompas.com on Monday (26/10/2026).

Sudirta explained that to prevent such SP3s, Commission III of the House will hold regular meetings with the National Police chief and the head of the Criminal Investigation Agency.

He emphasized that the House will not tolerate any eye-winking in the investigation process.

Furthermore, Sudirta indicated that mere imprisonment is not adequate to create a deterrent effect on perpetrators.

"We urge the National Police to seize corporate assets and to apply the Money Laundering Crime Law (TPPU) in accordance with Law No. 8 of 2010. If corporations are proven to have gained financial benefit from land burning (as a cheap land clearing method), these assets should be confiscated for the state," he said.

Sudirta mentioned that the National Police's action of naming hundreds of suspects is just the first step.

According to him, the principle of equality before the law must be genuinely enforced without bias, especially regarding the 13 corporations, including foreign investment corporations (PMA).

"Corporations must be held absolutely accountable for the fires that occur within their concession areas, without the prosecution needing to prove any fault, as long as the actions pose serious threats to the environment," Sudirta asserted.

"For corporations, the National Police should not only target field officers or lower-level managers. The law must reach the beneficial owner and the board of directors in accordance with Supreme Court Regulation No. 13 of 2016 regarding the Handling of Criminal Cases by Corporations," he added.

Meanwhile, Sudirta urged the National Police not to hesitate to take firm action against foreign companies involved in karhutla.

He also strongly encouraged the National Police to disclose the identities of the 13 corporations and individual intellectual actors who have been designated as suspects to the public.

"The smoke resulting from karhutla has harmed the constitutional rights of millions of citizens to a good and healthy environment. Therefore, based on Law No. 14 of 2008 regarding Public Information Openness, the public has the right to know who is responsible for damaging their airspace and environment," added Sudirta.

Suspects in Karhutla Cases

National Police Chief General Suyudi Ario Seto revealed the latest progress in law enforcement regarding forest and land fire (karhutla) cases to President Prabowo Subianto.