JAKARTA - The Riau Islands Provincial BPBD (Kepri) suspects that almost 95 percent of forest and land fires (karhutla) in the local area are intentional.
"At most, about five percent is caused by burning garbage to cigarette butts," said Acting Head of the Riau Islands Provincial BPBD (Kepri) Darson in Tanjungpinang, Wednesday, quoted by Antara.
He said the alleged findings were based on the results of a joint meeting of seven district/city governments in Kepri regarding the condition of the forest fire, which has recently been rampant due to the long dry season over the past month.
However, his party still has difficulty finding the suspected perpetrators of forest fires, because the perpetrators of the burning are suspected of carrying out activities in hiding or in a deserted state.
In addition, the reporter of the forest fire incident also often hides or does not appear after making a report to the BPBD and fire service (damkar) officers.
"That's why it's difficult for us to reveal the identity of the perpetrators of the forest fire. If it can, it will certainly be processed according to the applicable law," said Darson.
He explained the distribution of forest fires cases in all districts/cities in Kepri until now, with details of Tanjungpinang 121 points, Bintan 351 points, Karimun 153 points, Anambas 3 points, Natuna 32 points, Batam 63 points and lingga 45 points.
BPBD Kepri continues to coordinate with the district/city government in handling the forest fire, one of which is that BPPD Kepri has deployed an air supply fleet to assist in the forest fire extinguishing process in Bintan Regency.
His party reminded the public not to open land by burning it during the dry season that is currently occurring, because the fire can easily spread widely and risk disturbing public security and order.
"Including not burning garbage or throwing cigarette butts carelessly," he said.
Head of Public Relations of the North Sumatra Police, Kombes Pol Nona Pricillia Ohei, ensured that every violation related to forest fires would be processed according to applicable laws, without exception.
"Whoever deliberately burns forests and land will be dealt with and prosecuted," he said.
He explained that forest fires are a serious threat because they have a wide impact, ranging from environmental damage, health disorders due to smog, to economic losses.
Therefore, prevention steps continue to be strengthened through cross-sector collaboration.
He emphasized that every fire incident would be thoroughly investigated to determine whether there was an element of intention. If proven, the perpetrator will be immediately prosecuted.
Perpetrators of forest and land burning can be charged with Law Number 41 of 1999 concerning Forestry and Law Number 32 of 2009 concerning Environmental Protection and Management.
The threat of punishment imposed is imprisonment of up to 15 years and a maximum fine of Rp. 15 billion.
The North Sumatra Police also invited all elements of the community to play an active role in preventing forest fires and maintaining environmental sustainability.
"Community participation is considered very important to prevent fires that can harm many parties," he said.
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