Jakarta, ThedailyID — A wildfire in North Toraja, South Sulawesi, has damaged ancient stone tombs carved into cliff faces, raising concerns over the impact of land fires on the region’s cultural heritage. The fire reportedly spread across forested land and reached dozens of traditional burial chambers at three separate locations.
According to a report published by Detik on Monday, October 26, 2026, citing detikSulsel, North Toraja’s Civil Service Police Unit and Fire and Rescue Department chief, Riantho Yusuf Sangkelo, said the suspected cause of the fire was based on accounts from local residents.
Residents reportedly saw an unidentified person lighting a fire near the area before the flames spread. They attempted to chase the individual, but the person escaped. Authorities have not publicly identified the suspected individual, and the allegation that the fire was deliberately started has not been independently confirmed.
The fire burned forested land before spreading to liang, the local term for stone burial chambers. These tombs are carved into cliff walls and serve as resting places for the deceased. Some coffins inside the chambers were also reportedly caught in the flames.
Riantho said the possibility of deliberate action or reckless behavior had emerged from information provided by residents.
“There may have been an element of deliberate action or someone doing it for fun. That is information from the community,” he said, as quoted by detikSulsel, on Monday, October 26, 2026.
However, officials have not yet disclosed the exact number of tombs or coffins damaged by the fire. The full extent of the damage therefore remains unclear.
The incident highlights the potential consequences of wildfires in areas that contain historical burial sites. In this case, the reported damage extends beyond the natural environment to traditional tombs and coffins located along the cliffs.
For now, the suspected involvement of an unidentified person remains based on witness accounts. Further information is needed to establish how the fire started, determine the extent of the damage, and clarify whether anyone will be held responsible.
