Indonesia commits to addressing corporations responsible for the devastating floods in Sumatra.
Indonesia is probing corporations alleged to have deforested regions next to flood-affected areas in Sumatra, as stated by its forestry minister on Thursday, who conceded that inadequate forest management exacerbated the calamity.
The fatality count from cyclone-induced floods and landslides has reached 836, with hundreds still unaccounted for in West Sumatra, North Sumatra, and Aceh, according to government statistics.
Landslides have disrupted power supply and obstructed roadways, hindering rescue operations.
Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni informed parliament that the government will reassess forest governance, contemplate a ban on new permits, and annul the licenses of offenders. He failed to specify particular companies.
Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia indicated that mining permits may be revoked if regulations are violated.
Environmental organisations attribute deforestation as the primary cause.
Environmental organisations attribute the exacerbation of damage to deforestation associated with mining and logging, highlighting photos of logs stranded on the shore that incited public indignation.
Since 2001, Sumatra has experienced a loss of 4.4 million hectares of forest, according to David Gaveau, creator of the deforestation monitoring organisation Nusantara Atlas.
PT Agincourt Resources, which manages the Martabe gold mine, is among the permission holders. The company informed Reuters that it endorses the ministry’s evaluation and is dedicated to adherence.
A corporate spokeswoman stated, “We are prepared to furnish the requisite data and information and to fully support each oversight measure in compliance with regulations.”
Eddy Martono, chairman of the Indonesia Palm Oil Association, informed Reuters that he had not been apprised of any GAPKI member being interrogated by the authorities.
ISOLATED REGIONS REMAIN INACCESSIBLE
On late Thursday, rescuers reported that certain remote locations, including Aceh Tamiang, had been accessed; however, access to the Central Aceh and Bener Meriah districts remains obstructed.
Disaster management agency spokesperson Abdul Muhari informed reporters, “We will persist in facilitating land access to eliminate isolated regions in Aceh,” noting that assistance would be airlifted to inaccessible locations.
In Aceh Tamiang, Aceh province, the odour of decomposition permeated the atmosphere as people cautioned rescuers that numerous remains might still be entombed beneath mud and rubble, stated provincial spokesperson Muhammad MTA.
The energy minister stated that authorities are urgently working to restore electricity and distribute fuel and cooking gas in the three most severely affected regions, with the goal of stabilising supply by the weekend.