Alif Ilham Fajriadi, Jakarta – The Minister of Environment, Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, stated that his agency is currently auditing the compliance of more than 100 companies in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra with environmental aspects. This environmental audit is part of an investigation into these corporations' involvement in the environmental damage that triggered the floods and landslides at the end of November.

The environmental audit is estimated to take a year. However, Hanif targets to complete a part of the audit by March 2026. "This certainly cannot be completed quickly," said Hanif in a press conference at his office on Tuesday, December 23, 2025.

Hanif did not disclose the identities of the entities that were audited. He only stated that the examination is important to observe the connection between the companies and the damage in Sumatra. This environmental audit is intended for both licensed and unlicensed parties.

The Ministry of Environment had previously investigated eight companies suspected of violating environmental regulations in North Sumatra, which operate in the Batang Toru area. Included in the audit target list is also field verification of 17 business units engaged in cement factories, mining, housing, and oil palm plantations in West Sumatra.

"This Environmental Audit will provide a detailed overview of what has happened and what should have been avoided," said Hanif. Sanctions could include criminal penalties, civil lawsuits, or administrative sanctions.

Hanif also mentioned the dramatic changes to the landscape in the three provinces affected by flooding. In addition to extreme rainfall, this unfortunate event could be the result of human activities. "There is a fairly extensive change in forest cover, which certainly requires strengthening of its environmental management," said Hanif.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2075661/after-sumatra-floods-100-companies-face-environmental-audit