Aditya Budiman, Jakarta – Indonesia's Ministry of Environment has pointed to poor environmental management as a key factor behind recent floods and landslides in North Sumatra, summoning eight companies operating in the region for clarification.
Minister of Environment Hanif Faisol Nurofiq said the move was intended to obtain direct explanations from company management regarding operational activities suspected of contributing to the disasters.
The ministry will also ensure that all environmental management obligations have been properly fulfilled.
"This step aims to seek direct clarification from company management regarding operational activities that may be linked to the floods, while also verifying compliance with environmental management responsibilities," Hanif said on Monday, December 15, 2025, as quoted from the ministry's official website.
Hanif stressed that the summons would involve more than routine questioning. The ministry, he said, would conduct an intensive review of corporate practices, including a thorough verification of environmental permits and the implementation of environmental management measures to date.
He emphasized that there would be no tolerance for businesses that neglect sustainability and public safety.
The companies summoned are PT Agincourt Resources, PT Toba Pulp Lestari, Sarulla Operations Ltd, PT Sumatera Pembangkit Mandiri, PT Teluk Nauli, PT North Sumatera Hydro Energy, PT Multi Sibolga Timber, and PT Perkebunan Nusantara IV Kebun Batang Toru (PTPN).
In its initial assessment, the ministry identified indications of serious violations related to land use and environmental governance.
Preliminary findings point to land clearing beyond the limits stipulated in environmental approvals, failure to safeguard concession areas from illegal encroachment, and weak environmental impact management and monitoring.
The companies are also considered negligent in controlling erosion and surface runoff, which has contributed to pollution and sedimentation in the Batang Toru and Garoga river basins.
To ensure that all findings are supported by solid legal and technical evidence, Hanif said the ministry would carry out further comprehensive investigations. These will involve independent experts in hydrology, geospatial analysis, land degradation, and flood modeling.
"This evidence-based approach ensures that the clarification process and any subsequent law enforcement actions are transparent and accountable," Hanif said.
The findings will form the basis for determining environmental restoration obligations and imposing strict sanctions on companies proven to have violated regulations.
The minister added that legal measures would be taken to restore damaged ecosystems and prevent similar incidents in the future.
"Environmental protection and public safety must be the top priority in all business activities," he said, adding that environmental law enforcement would be guided by the principle of justice.
Hanif also said that summoning the eight companies reflects the ministry's commitment to strengthening oversight, promoting transparency, and ensuring corporate accountability.
"This is a strong message to businesses," he said. "The environment must not be sacrificed for profit."