Haze update: Indonesia names eight companies investigated for burning

Indonesian Environment Minister Balthasar Kambuaya has identified eight Malaysian-owned companies that are being investigated for burning in Riau and Jambi that led to the haze. 

JAKARTA – Indonesian Environment Minister Balthasar Kambuaya has identified eight of the companies that are being investigated for burning in Riau and Jambi that led to the haze.

The eight companies are:

1. PT Langgam Inti Hiberida

2. PT Bumi Rakksa Sejati

3. PT Tunggal Mitra Plantation

4. PT Udaya Loh Dinawi

5. PT Adei Plantation

6. PT Jatim Jaya Perkasa

7. PT Multi Gambut Industri

8. PT Mustika Agro Lestari

As is the custom in Indonesia with naming those under investigation, he only gave their initials for the media to infer from.

Speaking at a press conference in Pekanbaru on Saturday, Dr Balthasar said all the eight companies are owned by Malaysian investors, and fires were discovered on their concessions.

“If there is enough evidence, we will take them to court,” he added. “Our investigators are still on the ground for further investigation.”

More companies are expected to be named in the coming days.

Earlier on Saturday, Dr Balthasar told reporters that another 14 companies are also being investigated for burning, but he did not identify them.