Environment Minister, Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, in Jakarta on Monday, confirmed that the move aims to obtain direct explanations from the company management regarding operational activities allegedly linked to the disasters.
“At the same time, this is to ensure full compliance with all environmental management obligations,” Nurofiq stated.
He emphasized that the ministry will not compromise with business actors who disregard sustainability and public safety.
Nurofiq stressed that the summons is not merely for clarification but is an intensive effort to obtain management statements, verify all environmental permits, and ensure compliance with environmental management obligations that have been carried out so far.
According to official data from the Ministry of Environment, the eight companies called to provide explanations 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.
In the initial process, the Ministry found several indications and suspected serious violations related to land use and environmental governance.
Some early findings show practices of land clearing beyond environmental approval limits, failure to protect concession areas from illegal encroachment, and weak management and monitoring of environmental impacts.
Specifically, these companies are considered negligent in controlling erosion and water runoff, directly affecting pollution and sedimentation in the Batang Toru and Garoga River Basins.
To ensure that each finding has a legal basis and undeniable technical data, the Ministry will carry out a comprehensive, in-depth follow up review.
“We will take the necessary legal measures to ensure environmental restoration and to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Environmental protection and public safety must be the top priorities in all business activities,” said Nurofiq.
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Translator: Prisca Triferna, Kuntum Khaira
Editor: Arie Novarina
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