Prabowo calls forest fires 'ecological terrorism,' demands stricter sanctions
Indonesia's president proposes classifying slash-and-burn land clearing as a crime amid the nation's worst wildfires in 11 years.
What to know
- Indonesia's worst wildfires in 11 years have prompted President Prabowo to propose classifying slash-and-burn land clearing as 'ecological terrorism' and calling for stricter criminal sanctions.
- Police have launched 219 criminal investigations with 162 suspects identified; authorities are also investigating 95 companies for violations.
- The fires have spread transboundary haze to Singapore and Malaysia, driving up respiratory illnesses; multiple countries including Malaysia and Japan have offered military aircraft and personnel to assist in firefighting efforts.
- Fires have already burned over 800,000 hectares of land, with the Forestry Minister warning the crisis could extend until early November.
“I have asked the State Secretary and the Minister of Law to look into this further, specifically regarding legal sanctions.”
Prabowo Subianto, Indonesian President · Channel News Asia ↗
Prabowo Subianto Indonesian PresidentMohammad Irhamni Indonesian police officialAhmad Zahid Hamidi Malaysia Deputy Prime Minister
Raja Juli Antoni Indonesian Forestry Minister
How it unfolded 2 developments, newest first · click a bar or a number to jump articlesposts
-
1
Police report 219 criminal investigations, 162 suspects in fire cases
Following Prabowo's remarks, Indonesian police official Mohammad Irhamni announced that law enforcement has launched 219 criminal investigations linked to the fires, with 162 people named as suspects. Police are also investigating 95 companies suspected of violating fire safeguards.
“We in law enforcement are striving to identify the perpetrators of the burning, whether individuals or corporations, as this criminal act has already occurred and caused harm to the public.”
— Mohammad Irhamni -
2
Prabowo proposes classifying forest fires as 'ecological terrorism'
In a Cabinet meeting, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto called for stricter regulations and sanctions against slash-and-burn land clearances, suggesting the practice be classified as 'ecological terrorism.' He instructed regional governments to abolish exemptions for smallholders and called for police to launch criminal investigations against corporations violating fire safeguards.
“And perhaps we should ask the House of Representatives to stiffen the laws, classifying this as 'ecological terrorism'. This is a very serious matter.”
— Prabowo Subianto -
first by Channel News Asia, 6d ago · also Reuters
-
first by ThePrint, 7d ago
-
-
background
Japan participates in water bombing operations — Japan joined Indonesia's water bombing efforts on Wednesday and Thursday, deploying over three CH-47 Chinook helicopters. Poor flight conditions had initially delayed Japan's participation since the helicopters arrived last week.
-
background
Malaysia offers aircraft and personnel to assist Indonesia — Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced that Malaysia has offered Indonesia a Bombardier aircraft, helicopters, and personnel to help combat the wildfires, meeting with Indonesia's vice president in Jakarta.
-
background
Indonesia battles most intense wildfires in 11 years — Indonesia is experiencing its worst wildfire season in 11 years, with Borneo and Sumatra most severely affected. The fires have been fueled by 'super El Nino' weather conditions. Transboundary haze has caused unhealthy air conditions in Singapore and Malaysia, and is driving a spike in respiratory illnesses across the region.