Prabowo Criticizes Other Nations for Insulting Indonesia Over Karhutla

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto issued a strong warning to companies suspected of being involved in forest and land fires (karhutla) in Indonesia.

He stressed that the government will no longer take a passive stance toward such violations.

Prabowo even directed his criticism at several countries that have repeatedly insulted Indonesia regarding the karhutla issue.

He reminded that the government will eventually disclose the names of foreign companies believed to be responsible for the fires.

"This time, sorry, we can no longer act casually. Once the evidence is clear, we will take action, and we will revoke the licenses of all violating companies," Prabowo said during a cabinet meeting at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta on Wednesday (21/10/2026).

"And for certain countries that enjoy humiliating the Indonesian nation, we will reveal the companies in due time," he added.

Prabowo explained that according to field investigations, the karhutla cannot solely be attributed to natural factors.

He suspects human intervention in several cases of fire.

"And in my opinion, we must respond to this carefully and thoroughly," Prabowo stated.

Calls for Authorities to Investigate Corporations

To address this issue, Prabowo requested the Ministry of Forestry, the National Police, the Attorney General's Office, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), and intelligence services to investigate the corporations responsible for the karhutla.

He also highlighted the involvement of certain individuals suspected of intentionally setting fires.

According to Prabowo, these actions are not ordinary violations, as their impacts can jeopardize public health.

"What we can classify here is environmental terrorism. This is a crime against humanity. What they are doing endangers the health of millions of our citizens. We cannot take this lightly. We will now address it significantly. But we will also investigate thoroughly," Prabowo emphasized.

Amid criticism toward Indonesia, Prabowo took aim at countries that frequently mock the government regarding karhutla.

He believes that companies from those countries should also be held accountable since they operate in Indonesia.