Hammam Izzuddin, Jakarta – The Indonesian National Police's Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) is still investigating several companies that could have contributed to the flash floods in Aceh Tamiang. Companies operating in the Tamiang River Basin (DAS) are within areas designated for other uses (APL) and production forests.
"We are currently investigating whether they contributed to the flooding," said Brigadier General Mohammad Irhamni, Director of Specific Crimes at the Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim), in Aceh Tamiang, Tuesday, January 6, 2025.
The investigative team in the field is also determining whether there are any land clearings outside the companies' concession areas. According to Irhamni, observations using satellite imagery and drones have been conducted. However, on-site inspections are still hampered by blocked access.
Bareskrim is also investigating alleged environmental violations that caused extreme mud deposits in residential areas around Kuala Simpang. The mud originates from sedimentation and landslides in the Tamiang River. "This sedimentation has caused damage to homes and public facilities in the Tamiang area," Irhamni said.
According to Irhamni, sedimentation and landslides have the potential to occur due to land clearing activities that do not comply with Environmental Management and Monitoring Efforts (UKL/UPL).
Some of the wood around Kuala Simpang is suspected to have originated from illegal logging activities in the Simpang Jernih and Serbajadi Protected Forests in East Aceh. The Dittipidter team is still investigating the parties suspected of carrying out illegal logging in the forest area. Some of the wood found at the scene is forest species such as meranti.
In addition to Kuala Simpang, logs were also scattered in Baling Karang Village, Aceh Tamiang. The wood at this location is also suspected to have originated from illegal logging activities in the Serbajadi and Simpang Jernih Protected Forests in East Aceh, which are the headwaters of the Tamiang River.