Law enforcement to control land and forest fires in Indonesia

Abstract

In Indonesia, the use of fire as a land management practice is regulated by law to counteract its illegal and excessive use, which is often the cause of unwanted wildfires. However, it is often difficult to determine the exact origin of ignition. Perpetrators usually cover their tracks carefully, and judiciary processes by the police and other agencies take considerable time. This article shows how law enforcement has benefitted from the evolution of methods for monitoring fire incidents, using satellite imagery supported by field verification. This has helped to reveal the culprits behind fire incidents, who can then be sentenced to pay fines and compensate for the environmental losses they have caused.