Prabowo: Forest and Land Fires Are Not Solely Natural, Many Corporations Involved

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto stated that the ongoing forest and land fires (karhutla) are not merely natural phenomena.

The head of state noted that investigations have revealed human involvement in the karhutla affecting various provinces in Indonesia.

"As a result of our field investigations, it appears that the karhutla phenomenon is not simply natural. There is human intervention, which we must address cautiously and meticulously," Prabowo said during a plenary cabinet meeting at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday (21/10/2026).

Prabowo also mentioned that many corporations are implicated in this karhutla phenomenon.

Therefore, he has instructed law enforcement agencies to investigate thoroughly.

"I request that the police, the attorney general's office, the Ministry of Forestry, along with the military and intelligence, investigate, as many corporations are found to be responsible," said the chairman of the Gerindra Party.

The former Minister of Defense also pointed out that the community has identified individuals deliberately setting lands on fire.

Furthermore, Prabowo views the actions of those who cause karhutla as a form of environmental terrorism.

"This is a crime against humanity, as their actions endanger the health of millions of our citizens. We cannot take this lightly," he emphasized.

He assured that the government will take robust action to address karhutla and will investigate the parties involved until full accountability is achieved.

"If the evidence is clear, we will act; we will revoke all permits of companies that violate regulations," he stated.