Abdul said fires did occur in one of Sumatra Riang Lestari's concession areas on Rupat Island in Riau's Bengkalis district, which led to its operating permit being suspended by the government at the end of 2015.

But the company had followed all the requirements set by the ministry to improve its fire-management procedures and the government subsequently lifted the suspension by the end of January.

The company's operating permit has never been suspended since then, Abdul said.

"Based on standard operating procedures, we reported all measures we took to all related parties, including the ministry. That includes preventative measures after the fire," he said.

With regard to Rimba Lazuardi, Abdul said the company's operating permit is also not currently suspended.

He explained that Rimba Lazuardi experienced a forest fire in one of its concession areas in Pelalawan district, Riau, early this year, prompting the government to suspend its operations.

"But by March or April, [the suspension] was lifted after we met all the government's demands [to improve our fire management system]. So it is not currently being suspended, we are operating normally now," he said.

According to Abdul, the fire that did occur in the company's concession area was actually the result of an occupation by members of the local community, who were responsible for the fire.

Sumatra Riang Lestari and Rimba Lazuardi are among 15 plantation companies that were part of a police investigation for alleged land burning in the province following last year's land and forest fires.