Samarinda, E Kalimantan (ANTARA) – Police in Samarinda, East Kalimantan, detained a husband and wife suspected of deliberately burning land to speed up preparations for farmland, authorities said here Friday.
Samarinda City Police Chief Adjunct Commissioner Amiruddin said officers went to the site after receiving residents’ reports of the fire.
“This morning, Samarinda City Police and Samarinda Police Precinct officers went to the site after receiving reports from residents,” he said.
Police, firefighters, volunteers and residents then worked to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby areas.
At the site, police questioned the husband and wife suspected of starting the fire.
In an initial investigation, the couple admitted deliberately burning debris left from clearing about half a hectare to speed up preparation of land for rice cultivation.
Amiruddin said clearing land by burning it could trigger larger fires, particularly when vegetation is dry.
The couple were taken to Samarinda City Police headquarters for further questioning.
The case comes as Samarinda remains under an emergency response status following an increase in land fires during the dry season.
Samarinda’s Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) recorded 102 land fires through Thursday, affecting about 160 hectares.
The emergency status is in effect for 14 days from August 26 to September 7, after the city declared an emergency alert status on August 20.
Amiruddin urged residents to use safer methods to clear agricultural waste instead of burning land.
“We also seek support from all parties and volunteers to educate residents and protect the environment by avoiding land burning,” he said.
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Translator: Ahmad R, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Primayanti
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