Indonesia strengthens forest fire fighting and accountability, 223 people and 9 companies suspected

China News Service, Jakarta, October 14 (Reporter Li Zhiquan) The Indonesian government is increasing the investigation and accountability of forest and land fire cases. Officials reported on the 14th that the police had listed 223 individuals and 9 companies as suspects in forest fire cases.

Pipit Subyanto, an official of the Indonesian National Police Criminal Investigation Bureau, revealed at a press conference that day that as of October 13, the police had listed 223 individuals as suspects in forest fire cases, involving an area of ​​more than 5,157 hectares of burned land; another 9 companies were listed as suspects, with an area of ​​​​25,600 hectares of burned land involved.

At the same time, the Indonesian Ministry of Environment has sealed 57 companies suspected of violating forest and land fire-related regulations.

In terms of changes in fire conditions, data from the Indonesian Ministry of Forestry shows that from October 1 to 13, a total of 7,519 hot spots were recorded across the country, which was lower than the 9,080 hot spots from September 17 to 30. On October 13, the number of hot spots nationwide dropped to 244 from 1,085 the previous day, a decrease of 77.5%. However, the number of hot spots in South Sumatra Province from October 1 to 13 increased by 92% compared with September 17 to 30, which still requires focus.

Indonesian Forestry Minister Raja Juli Anthony said that the government is using heavy machinery to cut off the fire, and plans to send more excavators and build about 30 drilling wells to strengthen fire isolation and on-site water supply. At the same time, weather control is carried out based on cloud conditions, and aerial water spraying is carried out in a timely manner according to visibility to extinguish fires.

In addition to firefighting and accountability, Indonesia has also strengthened the protection of wild animals and their habitats. As of October 8, the government, together with volunteers and civil society organizations, had rescued 232 wild animals affected by forest fires in six key provinces, including 71 orangutans, 76 proboscis monkeys, 24 pangolins and other animals.

Tanjung Puting National Park in Central Kalimantan Province is one of the current key disposal areas. The Indonesian Ministry of Forestry has teamed up with the military, police, local disaster management departments and national park partners to dispatch about 500 people to participate in forest fire response.