Prabowo warns countries that 'insult' Indonesia over forest fires, vows to expose their companies

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has warned countries that he said had insulted Indonesia over its forest and land fires, adding that he would expose the companies from those countries.

Speaking at a cabinet meeting at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Oct. 21, Prabowo called for an investigation into corporations suspected of contributing to the fires, according to CNBC Indonesia.

"As for certain countries that like to insult Indonesia, when the time comes, we will expose their companies," Prabowo said.

Prabowo did not identify the countries he was referring to.

Threatens to revoke companies' permits

Prabowo said the fires were not solely caused by natural factors, but also by human activity.

He called on the police, Attorney General's Office and Forestry Ministry, assisted by the military and intelligence agencies, to investigate corporations suspected of contributing to the fires.

He also said members of the public had caught individuals deliberately starting fires, which he described as a form of "environmental terrorism".

Prabowo said the actions of those responsible for the fires had endangered the health of millions of Indonesians, adding that the government was working hard to tackle the blazes through various measures.

"We cannot take this lightly," he said.

He added that the authorities would thoroughly investigate the fires and revoke the permits of companies found to have violated regulations.

Prabowo also defended Indonesia against criticism from other countries.

“Indonesia is a courteous and patient nation. We have often been insulted, but believe me, we will not tolerate being continually provoked,” he said.

Police investigating 98 corporations

According to Katadata, Indonesian National Police chief Suyudi Ario Seto had earlier said that foreign parties were suspected of involvement in the forest and land fires.

Speaking at a press conference at the Merdeka Palace on Oct. 19, Suyudi said some of the parties were from neighbouring countries.

He did not identify the countries involved or provide further details about their suspected involvement.

Suyudi also said police were investigating 98 corporations in connection with the fires.

"Investigators are still gathering evidence, so we will certainly name suspects in the near future," he said.

Singapore and Malaysia offer assistance

Singapore and Malaysia have offered assistance to Indonesia in tackling the forest fires, but Indonesia has yet to accept the offers.

According to an earlier Mothership report, Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Dudung Abdurachman said on Oct. 19 that the country was still capable of managing the fires.

Singapore offered firefighting and cloud-seeding assistance, while Malaysia proposed sending aircraft and personnel.