Jakarta, Oct. 19 -- Indonesia's National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has urged law enforcement to investigate suspected deliberate burning after identifying 44 fire-affected forest and plantation areas in South Sumatra through spatial mapping cross-checked with land agency data.

BNPB Chief Kristomei Sianturi said here Monday the burned areas included oil palm plantations, industrial timber plantations, forest management units, and protected forests. Most hotspots were near conversion-permit boundaries, suggesting possible deliberate land clearing or expansion.

He urged law enforcement to investigate those responsible, including individuals and companies, saying tough penalties were crucial to deter repeat fires and ensure firefigh...