Jakarta, ThedailyID — Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry has sanctioned six companies after repeated forest and land fires were found within their concession areas.
The fires affected a combined 1,511.55 hectares across parts of Kalimantan. Four companies are located in West Kalimantan, while the other two operate in Central and East Kalimantan.
The largest burned area was recorded at PT WEL, covering around 760.51 hectares. PT MPK followed with 394.83 hectares, while the remaining four companies recorded between 70 and 108 hectares each.
The sanctions came after government inspections found repeated fires in the companies’ operating areas. The firms have been ordered to improve their fire prevention systems and restore affected land.
For PT MPK, authorities imposed a business permit suspension alongside a government enforcement order, citing the extensive and repeated fires.
“The government enforcement order requires companies to fulfill obligations, from improving fire control systems to restoring affected areas within the निर्धारित deadline,” Ardi Risman said, as quoted by multiple sources, Tuesday (25/08/2026).
Restoration may include replanting vegetation and rehabilitating peatland ecosystems. On peat areas, companies may also be required to manage water systems, block canals, rewet peatlands and monitor groundwater levels.
The ministry warned that sanctions could be escalated if companies fail to meet their obligations, including possible revocation of business permits.
Forestry law enforcement chief Dwi Januanto Nugroho said companies holding concessions are responsible for protecting the areas they manage and preventing environmental damage.
“Administrative sanctions are used to force improvement, restoration and compliance. But when criminal elements are found, criminal proceedings will continue,” Dwi said, as quoted by multiple sources, Tuesday (25/08).
