InfoSAWIT, SOUTH TAPANULI — The government has taken firm action following the massive floods and landslides that struck South Tapanuli, North Sumatra. The Ministry of Environment/Environmental Control Agency (KLH/BPLH) deployed a full investigation team to identify ecological pressures in the upstream areas of the Batang Toru and Garoga river basins.
Minister of Environment and BPLH Head Hanif Faisol Nurofiq conducted an aerial survey by helicopter, followed by ground inspections to verify sources of environmental degradation and assess compliance among businesses operating in the area.
During the field visit, Minister Hanif inspected operations of PT Agincourt Resources, PTPN III, and PT North Sumatera Hydro Energy (NSHE)—developer of the Batang Toru hydropower project. Based on initial findings, the government ordered an immediate suspension of all operations and mandated comprehensive environmental audits.
“Starting 6 December 2025, all companies operating in the upper Batang Toru watershed must halt activities and undergo an environmental audit. We have also summoned the three companies for an official examination on 8 December in Jakarta,” Minister Hanif said, as quoted in an official ministry statement received by InfoSAWIT on Monday (8 December 2025).
The decision followed noticeable land-cover changes observed from the air. Environmental Law Enforcement Deputy Rizal Irawan said helicopter surveillance revealed extensive land clearing.
“From above, we saw clear signs of land clearing for hydropower, industrial timber plantations, mining, and oil palm. The cumulative pressure has triggered significant wood debris flow and erosion. We will expand inspections across Batang Toru, Garoga, and other watersheds in North Sumatra,” he said.
With daily rainfall exceeding 300 millimeters, the upstream zones have become increasingly fragile. Minister Hanif stressed the need for a full evaluation of business activities on steep slopes and in river corridors.
“Landscape-level recovery is essential. We will calculate the environmental damage, review legal aspects, and open the possibility of criminal prosecution if violations worsened the impact,” he added.
KLH/BPLH has tightened requirements for environmental approvals and spatial-planning compliance for companies operating in disaster-prone regions. Law enforcement will be pursued if violations are found.
“We will not hesitate to take firm action. Environmental law enforcement is a key instrument to protect communities from preventable disasters,” Minister Hanif stated. (T2)
