50 firms in Indonesia sealed off over forest, land fires

 Forest and land fire hotspots were identified within the companies' operational areas.

Indonesia’s forestry ministry said 1,037 hotspots were detected nationwide as of 9.05pm on Tuesday, down 400 or about 27.8% from 1,437 a day earlier. (EPA Images pic)

JAKARTA:

Indonesia has sealed off about 50 companies across eight provinces after forest and land fire hotspots were identified within their operational areas.

Deputy environment minister Diaz Hendropriyono said the authorities are investigating whether the companies were directly involved in the fires.

“We are monitoring these companies and 50 have now been sealed off. This means there were fires there, and if it is proven that the companies were involved, sanctions will be imposed,” he said, according to Antara news agency.

The forestry ministry said 1,037 hotspots were detected nationwide as of 9.05pm on Tuesday, down 400 or about 27.8% from 1,437 a day earlier.

According to the ministry’s latest update, Central Kalimantan recorded 266 hotspots, South Sumatra 245, South Kalimantan 72, Jambi 62, West Kalimantan 43 and Riau 15.

The ministry said hotspots were reducing in Central, West and South Kalimantan, while increases were detected in South Sumatra, Jambi and Riau. - FMT