Jakarta, Aug. 24 -- The Indonesian police's pledge to prosecute not only field operators but also masterminds and financiers behind forest and land fires in Kalimantan and Sumatra has won support from a senior lawmaker.

Habiburokhman, head of the House of Representatives' Commission III, said field workers were often victims or laborers, while corporations and financiers profiting from burned land escaped scrutiny.

"Following the money and taking firm action without exception aligns with the reform agenda for fair law enforcement," Habiburokhman said in a statement in Jakarta on Monday.

He said police should also prosecute those making financial gains from forest and land fires, stressing that enforcement must address the root causes....