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Following devastating floods and landslides in Sumatra, Indonesia is investigating eight companies in North Sumatra for potential environmental violations. Deputy Environment Minister Diaz Hendropriyono stated these companies, operating in the Batang Toru area, will be assessed on land conditions, vegetation, and compliance with environmental regulations. The companies will be summoned to clarify their permits. The move follows reports from the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) that the death toll has climbed to 770. Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya also attributed the severity of the disasters to environmental degradation, alongside extreme weather, prompting a government review of environmental damage across the affected provinces.
News summary provided by Gemini AI.
Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia is investigating eight companies in North Sumatra for suspected environmental violations following the deadly floods and landslides that hit the region, Deputy Environment Minister Diaz Hendropriyono said Wednesday.
“We are looking into them,” he told reporters after attending a ceremony for the release of Cesium-137-free certified shrimp exports at Tanjung Priok Port in Jakarta.
He said the companies operate in the Batang Toru area of South Tapanuli, North Sumatra, and will undergo a full assessment by the Environment Ministry. He did not identify the firms.
Hendropriyono said officials will examine a range of factors, including land conditions, vegetation, natural contours, and compliance with licensing and environmental rules.
He said authorities will take action if they find any violations.
The eight companies will soon be summoned to clarify their permits and environmental obligations, he added.
Related news: Indonesia to investigate logging role in deadly Sumatra floods
A similar probe is underway in other disaster-hit areas, including West Sumatra.
Heavy floods and landslides recently devastated Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra after days of intense rain.
The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) said the death toll had climbed to 770 as of December 3, with 463 people still missing.
In a separate press conference in Jakarta on Wednesday, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya said environmental degradation had worsened the flash floods and landslides across the three provinces, alongside extreme weather.
He said the government is conducting a thorough review of environmental damage as part of its wider response and rescue efforts in Sumatra.
Related news: Prabowo receives report linking Sumatra floods to illegal logging
Translator: Aria Ananda, Raka Adji
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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