Indonesia Suspends Permits for 32 Companies Over Forest Fires
Indonesia's Forestry Ministry suspended permits for 32 companies suspected of involvement in forest and land fires, ordering the restoration of damaged ecosystems.
The Ministry of Environment and Forestry imposed administrative sanctions on 32 companies suspected of involvement in forest and land fires. Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni announced on Wednesday that the ministry suspended the permits of six additional companies specifically operating in Central Kalimantan and ordered them to restore the damaged ecosystems.
These six firms hold concessions covering 201,391 hectares, with 7,531 hectares burned. Across all 32 sanctioned companies, the affected concessions total 1.93 million hectares, with approximately 18,000 hectares damaged by fire.
Minister Antoni stated that the ministry is currently handling 120 cases related to forest and land fires. He noted that the government may pursue criminal proceedings if investigations uncover evidence of criminal intent or legal violations.
