Nandito Putra, Jakarta – Indonesia's Ministry of Environment and Forestry will summon several companies suspected of contributing to the deadly flash floods and landslides in North Sumatra.
Deputy Environment Minister Diaz Hendropriyono said eight companies operating in the Batang Toru area will be required to clarify alleged environmental violations.
"We will invite eight companies in the Batang Toru zone. The meeting is scheduled for next week," Diaz said after attending a shrimp export event at Tanjung Priok Port in Jakarta on Wednesday, December 3, 2025.
He declined to disclose the names of the companies but explained that the summons marks the first stage of gathering information and verifying allegations.
The ministry's Directorate General of Law Enforcement will follow up with on-site inspections. If violations are confirmed, sanctions will be imposed in accordance with regulations.
"Analysis will cover multiple aspects, including natural conditions, environmental permits, land use, vegetation, and possible pollution. If violations exist, they will certainly be addressed," Diaz stated.
He also stated that legal actions will depend on the outcome of field investigations.
"We must first determine the exact violations. The Directorate General of Law Enforcement will proceed according to procedure," he added.
Earlier, the Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi) of North Sumatra identified seven companies they believe are responsible for environmental damage that worsened the disaster in Central Tapanuli and Sibolga.
Walhi pointed to the Harangan Tapanuli or Batang Toru Ecosystem as the most severely affected area. The tropical forest serves as a vital hydrological buffer and the heart of the river basin system in North Sumatra.
Rianda Purba, Executive Director of Walhi North Sumatra, said large-scale industrial operations, including mining, energy, and plantation ventures, have cleared extensive stretches of forest.
"Satellite imagery shows deforestation in the flooded zones. This is an ecological disaster driven by human activity," Rianda said in a written statement on Saturday, November 29, 2025.
Walhi has urged the government to halt industrial operations in Batang Toru, take firm action against polluting companies, and strengthen ecosystem protection.
"The state must act and hold violators accountable to prevent future disasters," Rianda affirmed.