INDONESIA - News outlets reported this week that a government audit has found that 15 plantation companies have breached rules on preventing and managing fires in the worst-affected areas of Riau province.

The audit team disclosed that some of these are affiliated with Asia Pulp & Paper and Asia Pacific Resources International. The team added that it will give the companies six months to fix the problems, and if the issues are not resolved, the companies' operating licenses may be revoked.

It was reported that the audit was done between 1 July 1 and 25 Aug to check whether the companies had adequate human resources, equipment and systems to prevent and fight plantation fires. It found the 15 companies had failed to comply with the standard operating procedures.

In a statement released 14 Oct 2014, Asia Pulp & Paper said:

APP welcomes the Task Force evaluation of the systemic problem of wildfires and their causes, across Indonesia, as independent oversight is an essential part of addressing this issue.

Tackling wildfires and illegal encroachment inside our suppliers' concession areas is a priority for us as we seek to protect our plantations as well as our conservation areas.

In 1996 we introduced a no-burn policy to all of our suppliers and in 2013, we suspended all natural forest clearance and peatland development across all our suppliers' concessions. We have also recently introduced processes for resolving land conflicts and are carrying out work to ensure we manage peatlands according to best practice.

We are currently engaging with our suppliers to help them develop their action plans to further improve systems for addressing wildfires. Our suppliers have extensive fire crews trained to spot and tackle fires when they occur, and to manage hydrology in peatlands to reduce fire risks.