In brief
Reports from Antara claim that 1,600 hectares of forest and land in the IKN area burned between July and October 2026, pointing an accusation at palm‑oil firm PT AJP. Field mapping and satellite imagery revealed a regular, rectangular burn pattern. The authority has imposed staged administrative sanctions on PT AJP and is tightening monitoring across all concession holders.
In October 2026 the Nusantara Capital City Authority (OIKN) announced that 1,600 hectares of forest and land across the Indonesian National Capital Region—also known as IKN—had been scorched between July and October. Antara reported that the fires were attributed to deliberate land‑clearing activities carried out by palm‑oil firm PT AJP.
Field mapping coordinated with satellite surveillance confirmed a distinct rectangular or elongated burn pattern, according to the OIKN. The source added that 900 to 1,000 hectares of the affected area lay within the Bukit Soeharto Forest Park (Tahura), approximately 500 hectares fell inside PT AJP’s concession, and the remainder crossed privately owned parcels.
The investigation was handed over to local police, the article noted, following on‑site evidence that the burn sites coincided with PT AJP’s operational territory. The OIKN said that satellite imagery had been monitoring high‑risk hotspots since early August, which helped pinpoint the precise locations.
Following the discovery, the authority imposed an initial administrative sanction on PT AJP. “We are imposing administrative sanctions in stages, beginning with written warnings and ending in government orders requiring land restoration. Failure to fulfill these obligations may result in the suspension or revocation of business permits,” the source said.
Myrna Asnawati Safitri, OIKN Deputy for Environment and Natural Resources, explained the reasoning behind the strict approach. She added, “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.”
“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,” said Myrna Asnawati Safitri.
The ministry’s strategy also involves a coordinated follow‑up with the Ministries of Environment and Forestry. Antara cited the authority’s submission of findings to these ministries for a broader assessment of the companies that hold concessions across the IKN and the neighboring Kutai Kartanegara District.
As part of a long‑term mitigation plan, the OIKN stated it would tighten field monitoring and require all concession holders to upgrade their fire‑preparedness systems. The agency also emphasized restoring burned areas, though the article was cut short before detailing specific restoration actions.
