InfoSAWIT, PEKANBARU – Police in Bengkalis, Riau Province, have named a 29-year-old palm oil plantation owner, identified by the initials JFP, as a suspect in an alleged case involving the unauthorized occupation and use of a forest area.
The case emerged during police handling of a forest and land fire (karhutla) in Buluh Apo Village, Pinggir District, Bengkalis Regency.
InfoSAWIT, citing Antara on September 1, 2026, reported that Bengkalis Police Chief AKBP Fahrian Saleh Siregar said the legal action formed part of efforts to address forest and land fires while also taking action against suspected illegal activities in forest areas.
“This disclosure demonstrates the seriousness of the Indonesian National Police in handling forest and land fires while taking action against illegal activities carried out in forest areas,” Fahrian said.
JFP was named a suspect on August 29, 2026, following a case review by investigators. The investigation began after officers inspected and responded to a forest and land fire in Buluh Apo in August.
Palm Oil Activities Found in Burned Area
During an inspection of the fire-affected location, officers found palm oil plantation activities, including spraying and fertilizing.
The Pinggir Police subsequently coordinated with the Riau Regional Forest Area Stabilization Center (BPKH Region XIX) to determine the legal status of the location based on its geographic coordinates.
The BPKH assessment indicated that the location was within a production forest area. Investigators then examined the plantation activities and found indications that the palm oil plantation had been managed routinely.
The activities included harvesting fresh fruit bunches, spraying and fertilizing the oil palm trees. Police allege that the suspect did not possess valid authorization to conduct plantation activities within the production forest.
Fahrian said investigators found that JFP lacked the required legal permit, with the area under his control estimated at approximately four hectares.
Police Secure Palm Fronds and Forest Status Documents
As part of the investigation, police secured several items as evidence. These included one mobile phone, 12 burned palm fronds, a map showing the results of the coordinate-status assessment, and an official document from BPKH Region XIX Riau.
The forest-status assessment documents are considered important to the investigation because they help establish the precise status and location of the land involved in the case.
The case also illustrates how investigations into forest and land fires can expand into inquiries over plantation activities when authorities find indications of land occupation or utilization inside a forest area.
Suspect Faces Forestry and Forest Destruction Laws
Police are pursuing the case under Law No. 41 of 1999 on Forestry, as amended by Law No. 6 of 2023. JFP is also subject to provisions under Law No. 18 of 2013 on the Prevention and Eradication of Forest Destruction, as amended by Law No. 6 of 2023.
The case highlights the legal risks surrounding palm oil cultivation in forest areas when plantation activities are conducted without valid permits or legal status.
For the plantation sector, land legality remains a key element of responsible palm oil governance. Clear land status and compliance with forestry regulations are important to prevent legal disputes and conflicts over land use.
Bengkalis Police, through the Pinggir Police, are continuing to handle the case in accordance with the applicable legal process. (T2)
