Indonesia’s Nusantara Capital City Authority (OIKN) confirmed that 1,600 hectares of forest and land in the IKN area were burned between July and October 2026, allegedly as a result of deliberate land‑clearing by palm‑oil firm PT AJP, according to Deputy Myrna Asnawati Safitri.
Using field mapping—a ground‑based survey that records burn footprints—and satellite imagery, which captures images from orbiting satellites, OIKN identified a distinctive rectangular or elongated pattern of the affected areas. Such a shape is uncommon for accidental or natural fires, indicating planned clearing for cultivation.
In the mapped 1,600‑hectare zone, roughly 900 to 1,000 hectares fell within the Bukit Soeharto Forest Park, with about 500 hectares inside PT AJP’s concession area and the remainder spread over privately owned land, said the deputy. The separation of burned areas reflects the company’s operational footprint, suggesting a direct link.
"Even in several locations after the fires, new plant seedlings, such as oil palm and banana trees, were found. This pattern of cutting vegetation and then burning it is a common and recurring tactic," explained Myrna Asnawati Safitri.
Even in several locations after the fires, new plant seedlings, such as oil palm and banana trees, were found. This pattern of cutting vegetation and then burning it is a common and recurring tactic.
The observation aligns with the authority’s rule that deliberate clearing for plantation expansion is prohibited in protected zones. OIKN’s monitoring team had begun flagging hotspots via satellite since early August, with subsequent field visits confirming that the fires originated within PT AJP’s concession.
To address the alleged violations, OIKN initiated a “staged administrative sanction regime.” The process started with a written warning, followed by a government order demanding land restoration to its pre‑burn state. OIKN warned that failure to meet these obligations could lead to suspension or revocation of a business permit.
Besides PT AJP, OIKN reported dozens of other concession holders whose activities cross IKN and Kutai Kartanegara District boundaries. Findings from field inspections have been forwarded to the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Forestry for coordinated enforcement.
Recognizing that the fire situation could intensify without broader action, OIKN announced plans to tighten field monitoring. All concession holders will be required to improve fire‑preparedness systems, which include early‑warning protocols, buffer zones, and regular fuel‑break maintenance.
In addition to enforcement, OIKN announced a reforestation effort aimed at restoring burned areas. Newly planted seedlings in the aftermath of the most recent fires suggest that the authority is already proceeding with restoration efforts that may restore forest cover and enhance fire resistance over time.
the data-driven approach exemplified by OIKN’s integration of satellite monitoring and ground truthing represents a growing trend in environmental management. Leveraging high‑resolution imagery to identify irregular burn footprints provides a quantitative basis for swift regulatory action.
The situation in IKN underscores the challenges that emerging capitals face. As the country expands its green infrastructure, balancing development with conservation will require transparent monitoring that can promptly detect and deter illicit land use.
OIKN remains at the forefront of adopting technology-based solutions. The agency’s enforcement strategy applies a hybrid model: satellites flag potential hotspots, while field teams validate patterns and collect evidence that informs sanctions.
Given the scale of the burned area—equivalent to about 2,500 football fields—local ecosystems may experience significant shifts in biodiversity and carbon dynamics. Experts note that reforestation not only restores habitat but also sequesters atmospheric carbon, counteracting the emissions from the fires.
Further updates are expected as the police investigate the identified perpetrators and as ministries review the administrative penalties. Stakeholders—including plantation companies, conservation groups and regional governments—will closely monitor OIKN’s enforcement rollout to gauge its effectiveness.
These developments highlight a critical intersection of science, policy, and corporate responsibility in Indonesia’s quest to secure a sustainable capital city.
