Jakarta, Oct. 30 -- Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives Commission IV Alex Indra Lukman has called for tougher penalties for individuals and companies proven to have caused forest and land fires.

Alex urged forestry civil servant investigators to pursue 125 entities and individuals identified in connection with the fires, saying penalties should go beyond administrative sanctions.

"Reports indicate that some companies are suspected of repeatedly causing forest and land fires. They should face cumulative charges, maximum penalties and additional criminal sanctions, including confiscation of corporate profits," Alex said in a press statement received here Friday.

He urged the Forestry Ministry to coordinate with the National ...