Muhammadiyah Urges Unbiased Law Enforcement for Forest Fire Perpetrators

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Chairman of the Central Leadership of Muhammadiyah (PP Muhammadiyah) has called for strict and impartial enforcement of the law regarding the causes of forest and land fires (Karhutla).

This includes investigating allegations against officials and law enforcement officers involved in causing Karhutla.

"Every alleged involvement of officials as well as security and law enforcement personnel must be independently examined and made accountable," said Haedar in a statement letter 87/PER/1.0/H/2026 signed on Tuesday (20/10/2026).

Haedar also emphasized that the law must target individual perpetrators, corporations, those who instigate or profit from the fires, and anyone proven to shield or obstruct legal actions.

"Power, positions, and financial strength should not serve as shields or obstacles to legal accountability," Haedar stated.

On another note, he pointed out the necessity for policy and action alignment between the central government and local authorities.

He mentioned local government officials, from governors to mayors to village heads, must ensure that prevention and handling actions are in sync with central government policies.

Haedar asserted that both the central and local governments are obliged to guarantee support, clarify responsibilities, and enhance cooperation across regions down to village levels.

"Differences in authority should not hinder the protection of the people. The implementation, budget utilization, and outcomes must be transparently accountable, including the accountability of negligent officials," he said.

"Central and local government policies must align and should not contradict each other in addressing Karhutla," Haedar reiterated.

In addition to this statement, Haedar also addressed the priority of rescuing affected communities and demanded corporate accountability, as well as the restoration of societal and environmental conditions.

He also encouraged strengthening community responsibility and solidarity, and mobilizing Muhammadiyah's tangible efforts to provide assistance to Karhutla victims.

"Muhammadiyah asserts that Karhutla should not be normalized as an annual disaster that continues to burden the people," he remarked.

"The seriousness of the government, law enforcement, and the business community must be proven through concrete actions to protect the public, address violations, restore damages, and prevent fires from recurring," he concluded.