Indonesian National Police Urged to Be Transparent in Investigating Corporations Involved in Forest Fire Cases

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) Commission IV, Robert J. Kardinal, has urged the Criminal Investigation Unit of the National Police (Bareskrim Polri) to ensure transparency in the investigation of forest and land fires (karhutla).

The police are currently investigating 98 cases related to corporations suspected of being involved in karhutla.

“We encourage Bareskrim Polri to transparently announce the names of the corporations and foreign entities involved in the 98 karhutla cases once sufficient evidence is gathered,” Robert stated in a press release on Wednesday (20/10/2026).

He fully supports the Chief of Police, General Suyudi Ario Seto, in investigating the possible involvement of foreign parties in Indonesia's karhutla incidents.

According to him, legal action is crucial given the extensive land ownership of palm oil plantations by foreign entities, which spans millions of hectares.

Robert emphasized that the investigation into karhutla should not stop at uncovering the alleged involvement of foreign parties.

All parties responsible, including corporations proven to have violated the law, must face appropriate sanctions.

“The Chief of Police’s actions to uncover the alleged involvement of foreign parties in the karhutla case must be closely monitored. As a member of Commission IV of the DPR, I fully support the police in taking firm action without bias,” Robert asserted.

This Golkar Party politician also reminded that economic gains from investments should not be an excuse for companies to disregard laws and damage Indonesia's environment.

He stated that while foreign investment does bring economic and technological benefits, compliance with Indonesian law is non-negotiable.

“If any foreign investment company is found to have intentionally burned land or allowed its concessions to burn, the sanctions must be severe, including revoking their Business License (IUP) and Land Use Rights (HGU), followed by criminal prosecution of those responsible,” Robert said.

Therefore, he also called for a comprehensive audit of foreign plantation concessions.

The government is seen as needing to conduct this thorough audit to ensure compliance with environmental regulations, availability of firefighting resources, and management of peatland water by all palm oil plantation companies.

“The government requires all foreign investors to adopt zero-burning land clearing methods and to meet ISPO sustainability certification standards,” the politician from West Papua's electoral district concluded.

Previously reported, Chief of Police General Suyudi Ario Seto revealed the involvement of foreign parties related to companies suspected of causing forest and land fires in Indonesia.

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

However, Suyudi noted that the alleged involvement of foreign parties is still under investigation.

Currently, the police are examining 98 police reports related to karhutla.

“We are separating which cases involve foreign parties and which do not,” he affirmed.