Pekanbaru, July 23 -- Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni believes the recent forest and land fires in Rokan Hilir District, Riau Province, were intentionally set to clear land for palm oil plantations.

"Earlier today, we conducted inspections in Pujud and Bangko Pusako sub-districts. It is very clear the land was burned intentionally for palm oil land clearing," Antoni told reporters on Wednesday at the Roesmin Nurjadin Air Force Base in Pekanbaru, following an aerial patrol.

Antoni noted that although the number of fire hotspots had declined, extreme weather conditions remain a concern. According to the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the region is experiencing severe drought, leaving the forests highly suscepti...