Jakarta, ThedailyID — Riau Police have named 40 suspects in 37 forest and land fire cases throughout 2026. The fires have burned a total of 904 hectares across the province.
Riau Police Criminal Investigation Director Ade Kuncoro Ridwan said officers handled the cases across several jurisdictions. He shared the latest figures during a press conference in Pekanbaru on Friday (28/8/2026).
“As of this morning, we have handled 37 cases in 2026. We have named 40 suspects, with a total of 904 hectares of land burned,” Ade said during a press conference, Friday (28/8).
Police recently uncovered a land fire case in Sinaboi District, Rokan Hilir, on August 6. Officers named a 28-year-old man with the initials MA as a suspect.
Another case occurred in Rimbo Panjang Village, Kampar Regency. Pelalawan Police named MN, 54, a resident of Kemang Indah Village, as a suspect.
Police also arrested EP, 40, over a land fire along the RAPP Corridor Road KM 13 in Pangkalan Kerinci, Pelalawan.
Pelalawan Police recorded the highest number of cases, with seven cases and eight suspects. Bengkalis Police also handled seven cases involving eight suspects, while Indragiri Hilir Police recorded seven cases with seven suspects.
Investigators found that most fires started deliberately. Suspects allegedly burned land to clear areas for palm oil plantations and other agricultural activities.
Police also found cases caused by negligence. One involved a person burning waste before the fire spread uncontrollably to nearby land.
Ade said investigators will examine the origin of each fire, the motive, and the parties responsible. They will also investigate possible involvement by other parties.
“The investigation does not stop at identifying who was at the location when the fire occurred. We examine each case comprehensively to determine how the fire started, the motive, who was responsible, and whether other parties were involved,” Ade said during a press conference, Friday (28/8).
Police are using a scientific criminal investigation approach to establish the facts and evidence. Investigators will also examine potential criminal liability for both individuals and corporations.
Riau Police spokesperson Akmadi stressed that prevention remains the main strategy. However, authorities will pursue legal action when they find evidence of criminal activity.
“Prevention remains our priority. But when we find a criminal offense, the legal process must continue. This is important to create a deterrent effect and protect the public and environment from the impact of forest and land fires,” Akmadi said during a press conference.
Police urged residents and businesses not to clear land by burning. They also warned people to exercise caution when burning waste during hot and dry weather, when strong winds can quickly spread flames.
Akmadi said preventing forest and land fires requires cooperation between law enforcement, communities, businesses, and other stakeholders.
“Our goal is not simply to extinguish fires after they start. More importantly, we must prevent fires from starting in the first place. Protecting Riau from forest and land fires is a shared responsibility,” Akmadi said during a press conference.
