TEMPO.CO, Pekanbaru - Riau Police investigated 13 cases of forest and land fires occurring in a number of areas in Riau. The areas investigated reaches 223 hectares.
Police also alleged that the land was intentionally burned for planting purposes. "This case involved individuals or farmers since the land was allegedly used to grow chilies and other crops," Riau Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Guntur Aryo Tejo said on Friday, Feb. 23.
Read: Riau Declares Emergency Standby Status over Land and Forest Fires
Nevertheless, the police has not named any suspects for the cases. The police recorded that land fires took place in seven regencies and cities including Pelalawan, Indragiri Hulu, Siak, Rokan Hulu, Dumai and Meranti Islands. Land fire taking place in Meranti Islands reached 135 hectares.
"The police has put police line on the burned land for investigation purposes," Guntur added.
In addition, Guntur went on, the police are investigating land fire occurring in sago Plantation Company. The land catching fire reached 50 hectares. The company told the police that the fire was caused by fire from the local residents. "We are still trying to get to the bottom of this," he added.
RIYAN NOVITRA