December 10, 2025 | 10:51 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Environmental group Wahana Lingkungan Hidup Indonesia (WALHI) is calling on the government to take tougher action against companies accused of contributing to recent deadly floods and landslides in Sumatra.
The organization says the Ministry of Environment and Forestry should revoke corporate permits linked to large-scale environmental degradation.
WALHI argues that weak oversight and destructive resource exploitation have worsened ecological vulnerability across western Indonesia, leading to recurring disasters that have claimed lives and displaced thousands.
WALHI Demands Permit Review and Halt on New Licenses
“The government needs to act more firmly and progressively in evaluating corporate permits, given the scale of the damage,” said Uli Artha Siagian, Head of WALHI’s Campaign Division, in a written statement on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.
“We also urge the government to stop issuing new permits during this enforcement process.”
The NGO has identified at least 13 companies in forestry, mining, and plantation operations that it says have significantly reduced environmental capacity in vulnerable regions.
WALHI also reported:
62 illegal gold mining operations in Solok and Sijunjung, West Sumatra
5,208 hectares of forest in Aceh converted into oil palm plantations by 14 companies, affecting 954 watersheds
Ongoing land-use impacts inside the Harangan Tapanuli ecosystem in North, Central, and South Tapanuli, and Sibolga City
72,938 hectares of deforestation in the Batangtoru ecosystem from 2016 to 2024 involving 18 companies
Uli said the government must create a dedicated task force to evaluate permits and illegal operations to prevent further disasters. “Without strong law enforcement, communities and the environment will continue to suffer,” she said.
Ministry of Forestry Steps Up Inspections
The Ministry of Environment and Forestry has recently intensified inspections. On Monday, December 8, it announced the sealing of three more legal entities suspected of causing environmental harm in Sumatra, bringing the total to seven.
“Anyone who destroys the forest will be dealt with,” said Minister Raja Juli Antoni. He added that five additional companies operating around the Batangtoru watershed are now under investigation.
“If violations are found, sealing will be carried out, whether the entity is a corporation or a land rights owner,” the minister said, promising “uncompromising” enforcement.
Greenpeace: Action Needed, Not Just Pressure
Greenpeace Indonesia welcomed the ministry’s recent enforcement actions but stressed that they must not rely solely on public pressure.
Kiki Taufik, Global Forest Campaign Lead for Greenpeace Indonesia, said the government must remain committed throughout environmental audits and legal processes.
He emphasized that transparency is essential in law enforcement so the public can actively monitor the process. “Openness is crucial to ensure accountability,” Kiki said.
Kiki also highlighted the case of PT GAG Nickel in Raja Ampat, whose business permit was previously announced to be terminated but later reinstated after a six-month suspension. He warned that such decisions must not overlook the principle of environmental responsibility.
“Law enforcement should ensure that environmental obligations are fulfilled,” he said.
Read: Aceh Welcomes Foreign Aid for Disaster Relief Efforts
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Community Self-Reliance amid Sumatra Floods
54 menit lalu
Residents hit by the Sumatra floods band together to deliver aid as they confront the government's slow disaster response.
Walhi Urges Forestry Ministry to Revoke Permits of Companies Linked to Sumatra Floods
4 jam lalu
Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi) urges the Forestry Ministry to revoke all forestry sector permits in Aceh, North Sumatra, & West Sumatra.
Sumatra Disaster Recovery Budget Exceeds Rp50 Trillion, Says AHY
17 jam lalu
Coordinating Minister AHY said the preliminary estimated budget required for disaster recovery across Sumatra is more than Rp50 trillion.
Sumatra Floods: Families Lost, Houses Razed
18 jam lalu
Flood and landslide survivors in Sumatra are clinging to life with whatever they have left. A number of areas are still like ghost towns.
Tropical Cyclones: Why Are Some Countries More at Risk?
22 jam lalu
When tropical storms make headlines, certain countries and regions are repeatedly part of the story. Why is that? What fuels cyclones and their paths?
Fact Check: Misleading Claim Circulates on Jokowi's Alleged 2025 Visit to West Sumatra
22 jam lalu
Fact check - Jokowi's visit in the video took place in 2024 when he was still the President of Indonesia.
Chasing Social Media Content in Disaster Areas
1 hari lalu
Many politicians now treat disaster victims as props for their social media feeds. They can be called disaster clowns.
Distinguishing Between National and Regional Disasters
1 hari lalu
The government has not declared the floods and landslides in Sumatra a national disaster emergency. This will entail budgetary and command implication
BNPB: Sumatra Flood Death Toll Nears 1,000, Hundreds Remain Missing
1 hari lalu
Head of the Data Information and Communication Center for Disaster Management at BNPB, Abdul Muhari, stated that the highest number of casualties were found in Aceh Province.
Padjadjaran University Offers Scholarships for Students Affected by Sumatra Floods
1 hari lalu
Padjadjaran University (Unpad) coordinates with various parties to ensure the academic continuity of students affected by the Sumatra floods.
:strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kly-media-production/medias/5316291/original/015050100_1755231247-5.jpg)
