Japanese firm among 97 companies probed over Indonesia forest fires

Authorities in Indonesia have launched investigations into 97 companies suspected of involvement in forest fires across the archipelago, as part of a broader crackdown on activities contributing to environmental degradation. Among those under scrutiny is a Japanese corporation operating under the designation PT MTI, alongside 21 other foreign-registered firms. The investigation signals Indonesia's intensified effort to hold both domestic and international enterprises accountable for forest destruction. Forest fires in Indonesia have long been a regional concern, with smoke haze frequently affecting neighbouring countries including Malaysia and Singapore. The blazes are often linked to land clearing operations for agricultural expansion, particularly in the palm oil and timber industries. Officials have not disclosed specific details regarding the allegations against individual companies, though the scale of the investigation underscores the severity with which authorities are treating the matter. The probe comes amid mounting international pressure on Indonesia to strengthen environmental protections and enforce existing regulations more rigorously. Environmental groups have repeatedly called for stricter penalties against corporations responsible for large-scale deforestation and associated wildfires.