We have to pay attention to the land and plantation fires. Singapore`s protests have been strong."Pekanbaru, Riau (ANTARA News) - The Riau Police have charged five people as suspects in the land and forest fires cases after cross examinations and inquiries with several witnesses.
"Out of the five, three are from the Bengkalis Regency and one each from Pekanbaru and Indragiri Hilir Regency," stated the Riau Police Chief Inspector General Condro Kirono in Pekanbaru on Thursday.
Condro pointed out that the case is currently being handled by the local police officers. As for the case in the Bengkalis Regency, all three suspects are involved in the same crime.
He noted that the forest area which was burnt down in each region will soon be marked by the police line, so that the citizens become aware that the case is being handled by police officers.
"The suspects were charged under Law No. 18 of 2004 on plantation with the punishment of maximum 10 years imprisonment with the highest fine of Rp10 billion. They are also charged under Law No. 26 of 2007 on Spatial Planning," he explained.
Condro pointed out that the implementation of the quilted article will be a deterrent effect. He added that in 2013, the Riau Police had held as many as 33 suspects in burning of forests.
Director General of Plantation of Agricultural Ministry, Gamal Nasir, pointed out that Singapores protest against the smokes from land and forest fires in Riau should be taken seriously with the mitigation and prevention efforts act.
"We have to pay attention to the land and plantation fires. Singapores protests have been strong," stated Gamal Nasir in Pekanbaru, Riau on Thursday.
Gamal noted that in future, it should be ensured that there are no protests from other countries regarding the fires and smokes and in this regard, it should be addressed properly.
(Reporting by Adityawarman/D018/INE/KR-BSR/H-YH)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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