In brief
The Nusantara Capital City Authority (OIKN) found that 1,600 hectares in the IKN region were burned between July and October 2026, blaming deliberate land‑clearing by palm‑oil firm PT AJP. Satellite imaging and field mapping revealed a rectangular burn pattern; OIKN has imposed staged administrative sanctions and is coordinating with police and ministries. The authority also plans stricter monitoring, reforestation and fire‑preparedness measures across all concession holders.
Indonesia’s Nusantara Capital City Authority (OIKN) said that 1,600 hectares of forest and land in the IKN area were burned from July to October 2026, and that the fires were most likely caused by deliberate land‑clearing by palm‑oil company PT AJP.
Myrna Asnawati Safitri, OIKN Deputy for Environment and Natural Resources, explained that the evidence came from field mapping and satellite imagery that showed the fires following a distinct rectangular pattern rather than random spread.
She added that of the 1,600 hectares burned, roughly 900 to 1,000 hectares were inside Bukit Soeharto Forest Park, about 500 hectares fell inside PT AJP’s concession, and the remaining area was on privately owned land.
For the perpetrators found in the field, OIKN has coordinated with police, and the investigation is underway. Regarding private sector involvement, Myrna said the authority has already imposed an initial administrative sanction on PT AJP.
Myrna explained that the sanction follows OIKN’s monitoring of hotspots through satellite imagery since early August and field inspections confirming that the fires occurred inside the company’s concession area.
Myrna added that other companies whose concession areas overlap the IKN and Kutai Kartanegara District have been notified and that OIKN has forwarded its findings to the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Forestry for coordinated follow‑up.
The OIKN said it is issuing administrative sanctions in stages, beginning with written warnings and ending with government orders that require land restoration. Failure to fulfil these obligations could lead to the suspension or revocation of permits.
Long‑term measures include tighter field monitoring and a mandate that all concession holders improve their fire‑preparedness systems. OIKN also plans to restore burn areas through reforestation projects.
"Even in several locations after the fires, new plant seedlings, such as oil palm and banana trees, were found. This pattern of cutting vegetation and then burning it is a common and recurring tactic," she explained.
Myrna Asnawati Safitri
