Jambi police continue criminal cases against two firms

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31 minutes ago

Jambi (ANTARA) – Jambi police will continue criminal proceedings against two companies over forest and land fires, despite administrative sanctions already imposed, the provincial police chief said.

Police are also pursuing cases against 19 individual suspects. Investigators are still examining possible links between the companies and local residents, Jambi Police Chief Inspector General Widodo said.

Investigators will examine each company official’s role to determine who should be held legally responsible, he said here Wednesday.

“All company officials will be questioned, and we will determine who is ultimately responsible. Each person’s role will be established, and those responsible will face legal action,” he said.

The Jambi police’s Special Crimes Directorate is investigating Samhutani and PT Restorasi Ekosistem Indonesia (REKI). Investigators are also examining possible links between the two companies and other parties.

The Jambi police are coordinating with relevant agencies on fire response and central government aid. Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni led a meeting on these issues at Sultan Thaha Airport on Tuesday (Oct. 27).

Separately, the Forestry Ministry is investigating two other companies over fires in Jambi: the former PT Lontianakud Kola (LKU) and PT Mugitriman International.

Forestry Ministry Spokeswoman Yola Meilisa said investigators had visited the sites to inspect both companies.

“The Forestry Ministry’s investigators are probing two companies in Jambi province over forest and land fires,” Yola said in a WhatsApp message.

The Forestry Ministry said both cases remained under investigation by its law enforcement directorate.

Jambi’s forest-fire task force said provincial police and local units were still conducting preliminary inquiries into 71 cases. Of these, 20 had advanced to formal investigations, with 19 individuals named as suspects.

Jambi police handled four cases, Tanjung Jabung Barat police three, and Batang Hari, Merangin, Sarolangun and Tebo police two each. Jambi City, Tanjung Jabung Timur, Bungo and Muaro Jambi each had one.