A massive forest fire has burned down some 40 hectares of land in Indonesia.

Footage shows a wall of white smoke hanging over the hills of Samosir Regency in North Sumatra on Monday August 8.

Samosir Regency municipal police head Victor Roi Jans Pasaribu said the fire broke out on Thursday in the area of Sijukjuk Hills. It was extinguished on the same day, but separate fires then erupted in adjoining areas the following morning.

Herianto, Head of the North Sumatra Forestry Service, said: 'The forest area burned is about 40 hectares. This is temporary data, we are still collecting information.

'While dealing with one fire, another then emerges. The hotspots were spread over several points. We are still trying to extinguish the flames.'

North Sumatra police on Monday said they have arrested two people who allegedly admitted to burning the forest around Lake Toba to clear land for a corn plantation.

Kombes Pol. Hadi Wahyudi, Head of Public Relations of the North Sumatra Police, confirmed the capture of the suspects with initials PSN, 62, and KN, 14.

The pair have been detained for further questioning. Hadi said: 'The community is asked not to burn the forest. If you are caught and found guilty, there will be strict sanctions.'