This strict measure was taken in the Gunung Geulis and Puncak regions, which are the headwaters or upstream areas of the Cikeas and Ciliwung rivers, respectively.
"Can you imagine what will happen if the headwaters are misused? Water will tend to overflow, flooding and damaging rice fields. In this scenario, drought will follow in the dry season," he told reporters in Jakarta on Saturday.
Considering this, Hasan stressed the need to protect areas vital to environmental sustainability from being converted into zones for other purposes.
He said that the absence of such protection measures might disrupt agricultural areas essential for food security.
The minister then pointed out that the nine locations contain 33 tourist attractions constructed without compliance with the applicable environmental rules.
"Demolition is a must for such illegal places," he affirmed.
He clarified that this firm action was not meant to hinder businesses from flourishing, stating, "This is for our sake. A well-preserved environment is good for us."
Earlier, on Thursday (March 13), Hasan, alongside Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, condemned the nine locations by installing warning boards.
He emphasized that President Prabowo Subianto is committed to running a transparent and accountable government through comprehensive overhauls in various areas, including permit-obtaining processes, environmental management, and spatial planning.
Meanwhile, Minister Nurofiq said the president had urged his aides to avoid favoritism in regulation enforcement. This has led his ministry to conduct evaluations of landscape usage.
"Restoring the functionality of river headwaters in a systematic and structural manner is essential," he added.
Translator: Agatha O, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
