Dry season fuels flames as authorities warn of 15-year jail term
Authorities in Batam are intensifying investigations into a fire that swept through the protected Lestari Park forest in Batu Aji, raising concerns over environmental damage and community safety during the city’s prolonged dry spell.
Fire Breaks Out In Protected Forest
The blaze erupted on Sunday, Feb 8, at around 4:30pm local time in the Mata Kucing area of Batu Aji District. The fire burned dry land and branches within the protected forest zone of Lestari Park.
Dozens of firefighting units were deployed, including Karhutla tactical vehicles, Armoured Water Cannon units, and SARA vehicles from the Riau Islands Police Mobile Brigade. The flames were brought under control early Monday at 5:00am, though smoke lingered until Feb 11 due to suspected underground embers.
Investigation Underway To Determine Cause
Head of Batu Aji Police AKP Bayu Rizki Subagyo confirmed that authorities are investigating the exact cause of the fire. Because the area is legally protected, any intentional act could carry severe legal consequences.
Police have examined three witnesses, including a resident living near the forest entrance and two others from the surrounding area. Investigators are determining whether the fire was caused deliberately or through negligence, such as discarded cigarette butts.
Limited Evidence And No CCTV
Head of the Criminal Investigation Unit Iptu Bili Pramulia said the probe has been hampered by limited eyewitness accounts and the absence of closed-circuit cameras at the scene.
With little direct evidence available, police are conducting an intensive investigation to establish accountability. Authorities stressed that identifying the cause is crucial to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Severe Penalties If Arson Confirmed
If investigators determine that the fire was intentionally set, the perpetrator could face up to 15 years in prison and a maximum fine of Rp 7.5 billion. Using the exchange rate of 1 IDR = 0.000080 SGD, the fine amounts to approximately SGD 600,000.
Officials emphasized that beyond legal penalties, fires in protected areas threaten biodiversity and pose direct risks to nearby residential communities.
Dry Season Worsens Fire Risk
The fire occurred during one of Batam’s longest dry spells in recent years. According to the BMKG Hang Nadim Batam Class I Meteorological Station, the city experienced 35 consecutive days without rain between January and February.
Although light localized rain fell briefly on Friday and Saturday, conditions remained dry overall, increasing the risk of land and forest fires spreading rapidly.
Environmental And Community Impact
At least five separate fire points were identified within the protected forest. While the blaze has been extinguished, the environmental damage and air quality concerns remain under review.
Authorities are urging residents to exercise caution during the dry season and avoid activities that could trigger fires. The incident highlights the vulnerability of protected green spaces located close to expanding residential areas in Batam.
The Lestari Park fire underscores the growing environmental risks posed by prolonged dry weather and human activity in protected areas. As Batam expands and climate patterns shift, enforcement and preventive measures will be critical to safeguarding forest reserves. For Indonesians and Singaporeans monitoring cross-border environmental issues, the case reflects the urgent need for stronger fire prevention strategies in rapidly developing regions.
Sources: VOI (2026) , VOI 2 (2026)
Keywords: Lestari Park, Polresta Barelang, Batu Aji Police, BMKG Hang Nadim, Karhutla Vehicles
