House Member: Prabowo's Idea on Environmental Terrorism Could Be Included in the Forestry Bill

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Deputy Chair of Commission IV of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Alex Indra Lukman, has expressed that President Prabowo Subianto's idea to classify forest burning as environmental terrorism or ecological terrorism could be included in the revision of Law No. 41 of 1999 on Forestry.

“We have completed the drafting of the Forestry Law revision. Therefore, it could be included in the Revision of Law No. 41 on Forestry,” Alex stated when contacted by Kompas.com on Friday (23/10/2026).

According to Alex, the initial draft of the Forestry Bill has been finalized by Commission IV of the House.

The harmonization process with other regulations has also been completed by the House's Legislative Body.

Thus, Alex continued, the next stage involves discussions of the Forestry Bill draft with government representatives.

“Related to environmental terrorism, it can be included during discussions with the government,” Alex explained.

However, the House is still awaiting the Presidential Letter (Surpres) from President Prabowo Subianto regarding the appointment of government representatives for these discussions.

“So, it is completed in Commission IV and harmonized in the Legislative Body. The next process is the Surpres,” Alex concluded.

Remarks from Minister of Law Supratman

Previously reported, Minister of Law Supratman Andi Agtas opened the possibility for the government to regulate ecological terrorism through the revision of existing laws.

"In the future, we might revise the law regarding this matter," Supratman said at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta on Wednesday (21/10/2026).

Supratman did not specifically mention which law would be revised to accommodate these regulations.

He indicated that the government does not need to create a new law if existing regulations can be perfected.

"No, what's the point of a new law? All laws are already established. If there is something that needs improvement, you just need to add on, correct?" he stated.

The discourse on regulating ecological terrorism arose after President Prabowo Subianto referred to intentional forest burning as environmental terrorism.

Prabowo remarked that deliberate forest burning constitutes a crime against humanity as forest and land fires negatively impact the health of millions of people.

"Many corporations are also responsible, and people are apprehending individuals who intentionally burn, which we can consider as environmental terrorism," Prabowo said during a cabinet plenary session at the Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday (21/10/2026).

Prabowo also emphasized that the government would take action against those proven to be involved in forest burning, stating that the government would revoke the permits of companies found guilty.