Jember, E Java, Sept. 18 -- Jember police in East Java have warned that those who deliberately burn forests or land face criminal penalties, including up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to Rp10 billion (US$561,000).

Police have ordered precincts to install warning banners at strategic locations urging people not to carelessly light or leave fires in forest areas.

"We are intensifying mitigation efforts and patrols in forest areas to minimize the risk of forest and land fires," Jember Police Chief Adjunct Senior Commissioner Alaiddin said in a statement on Friday.

Preventive measures have included joint patrols by Jelbuk precinct officers and state forestry company Perhutani in forest plots 73 and 74 in Panduman Village, Jelbuk Su...