Prabowo Criticizes Countries Insulting Indonesia Over Forest Fires: In Due Time, We Will Expose Their Companies

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has criticized certain countries for belittling Indonesia regarding the forest and land fires (karhutla) occurring in the nation.

Prabowo warned that the Indonesian government will eventually reveal the identities of foreign companies responsible for these fires.

"This time, I apologize, we cannot simply act as if it is business as usual. If the evidence is clear, we will take action and revoke all permits of companies that violate regulations," he stated during a plenary cabinet meeting at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday (21/10/2026).

"And for certain countries that enjoy insulting Indonesia, we will eventually expose their companies," he added.

Prabowo emphasized that investigations reveal the karhutla phenomenon is not solely a natural occurrence.

He noted that human intervention plays a significant role in these fires.

"We must address this issue carefully and diligently," said Prabowo.

To this end, he urged the Ministry of Forestry, the National Police, the Attorney General's Office, the military (TNI), and intelligence agencies to investigate the corporations responsible.

Moreover, he mentioned that the public has identified individuals deliberately setting these fires.

"This can be considered environmental terrorism. It is a crime against humanity. What they are doing endangers the health of millions of our citizens. We cannot take this lightly. We will tackle this issue aggressively, but we will also investigate thoroughly," Prabowo remarked.