In brief
PB HMI welcomed the police decision to name 20 companies as suspects in recent forest and land fires. The group highlighted the importance of environmental accountability and called for transparent investigations, restoration efforts, and preventive measures. It also stressed that corporate liability should be tied to environmental restoration and equitable enforcement of laws.
The Indonesian Islamic Students Association's Central Executive Board (PB HMI) applauded the police for naming 20 companies as suspects in recent forest and land fires, according to a statement made in Jakarta on Saturday.
PB HMI said the move was a key step toward environmental accountability, and that prosecuting firms would help ensure equal treatment under the law.
Herdiansyah Iskandar, PB HMI's deputy secretary‑general for strategic policy, said in Jakarta on Saturday that naming suspects "must not end the process," adding that investigations must remain transparent, professional and accountable to provide legal certainty.
He added that forest fires are not just a law‑enforcement issue but an environmental justice matter that requires more than punitive action after damage has occurred.
PB HMI urged authorities to strengthen prevention by reviewing permits, monitoring concessions, conducting environmental audits and improving early detection in fire‑prone areas.
He also said the state must review concession oversight and ensure all companies meet their environmental protection obligations, stressing that the government must not act only after damage has occurred.
PB HMI called for corporate law enforcement to be conditional on environmental restoration, with responsible companies required to rehabilitate ecosystems and pay compensation in accordance with applicable laws.
Herdiansyah emphasized that the impact of the fires extends beyond forest destruction to public health, local economies, livelihoods and long‑term sustainability of ecosystems and that success must be measured against environmental restoration, protection for affected communities and guarantees against recurring fires.
He highlighted the importance of upholding Indonesia's legal sovereignty, arguing that environmental laws must apply equally to all parties, regardless of business size, financial resources or investment origin.
