The Ministry of Environment has issued administrative penalties to 67 companies in three Sumatran provinces severely affected by hydrometeorological disasters last year. These actions stem from investigations into the companies’ alleged contributions to the floods and landslides that impacted Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra.
During a working meeting with the House of Representatives in Jakarta on Monday, Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq stated that the ministry had reviewed 175 companies across the three provinces. These businesses, primarily engaged in mining, palm oil cultivation, and forest utilization, were found to have cleared approximately 1,805,615 hectares of land.
As a result of the findings, 22 companies have been mandated to undergo environmental audits. An additional 45 units are currently in the process of receiving similar administrative sanctions.
Beyond administrative measures, the ministry has pursued legal action. Civil lawsuits have been initiated against six companies in North Sumatra, with total claims amounting to Rp4.947 trillion, or approximately US$290.7 million. Criminal charges have also been filed against six other companies.
Minister Nurofiq also revealed that his ministry conducted an environmental study concerning the spatial and regional planning in the three disaster-stricken provinces. This study has led to the creation of a detailed post-disaster housing plan, offering specific spatial guidance for sub-districts. This guidance includes identifying high-risk areas unsuitable for permanent housing and locations with sufficient carrying capacity for rapid housing development.
The environmental study identified a disparity between Strategic Environmental Assessments (KLHS) and existing spatial and regional planning, a factor that is believed to have worsened the impact of the disasters.
The provinces were hit by severe floods and landslides, triggered by heavy rainfall, in late November 2025. According to records from the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), these events claimed 1,207 lives and damaged over 300,000 homes.
Source: Original
