Promise to Announce Foreign Company Names

President Prabowo Subianto has pledged to reveal the names of foreign companies responsible for forest and land fires (karhutla) in Indonesia. He made the promise in his remarks at the 2026 National Coordination Meeting of the Regional Financial Access Acceleration Team (Rakornas TPAKD) at JIExpo, Kemayoran, Jakarta, Thursday (22/10/2026).

"We will announce those names when the time comes, but let's stay cool, calm, and responsible. We have deployed a substantial number of TNI, Police, and local government personnel. They are working themselves to the bone," Prabowo said before the regional heads and ministry representatives.

Prabowo made the statement in response to a number of countries that he said had mocked and insulted Indonesia over the forest fires. According to him, many companies from those countries were in fact partly responsible for the fires that blanketed the region with smoke.

Prabowo promises to expose names of foreign companies behind forest…
Illustration of haze from forest and land fires blanketing residential areas.

Companies Violate Rules Up to 19 Times

Prabowo presented the findings of an investigation indicating foreign companies' involvement in forest fires. These companies had been granted concessions for over a decade, yet were recorded violating regulations three times, four times, over a dozen times, with some reaching 19 times.

The Head of State expressed astonishment that companies violating regulations a dozen to 19 times had yet to face firm action. He also asked his staff to recheck the data before the names of the companies are officially announced to the public.

Prabowo emphasized that law enforcement against corporations triggering forest and land fires is not merely a matter of administrative sanctions, but also a responsibility to the people whose health has been damaged by the haze. According to him, companies that have enjoyed concessions for over a decade cannot continue to hide behind the pretext of investment.

Ultimatum: Violate Twice, License Revoked

On the same occasion, Prabowo issued an ultimatum to corporations causing forest and land fires: "If they violate twice, just revoke [the permit]." He stressed he would not hesitate to revoke the permits of companies violating the rules, no matter who is behind them.

He asked officials not to hesitate in cracking down on violators. "This is extremely stubborn and why should we be afraid? Afraid of whom?" he said. Prabowo also reminded of the impact of forest and land fires on public health, especially children and people in affected areas.

Closing his statement, the President affirmed his belief in the nation's own capabilities: "Anak-anak Indonesia mampu, manage." He ensured that the names of those foreign companies would be announced in due time after all data had been collected and verified.

The promise to announce the names of these foreign companies is a strong signal that the government will no longer be lenient toward violations of land management rules. The government is preparing firm measures so that forest and land fires, which often trigger transboundary haze, do not keep recurring every dry season.