Indonesian authorities are launching an urgent probe into eight companies suspected of contributing to devastating floods and landslides in Sumatra, amidst widespread accusations that deforestation exacerbated the natural disaster.
Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq confirmed satellite analysis indicated these eight companies were linked to changes in forest conditions within the area. The ministry plans to audit environmental permits for all businesses operating in the three provinces most affected by the floods.
Environmental advocates, including the group Walhi, assert that the catastrophe stems from government policies enabling extensive deforestation, not merely Tropical Storm Senyar. They claim these policies created the conditions for the disaster.
Widespread online images and videos show numerous logs in the floodwaters. Environmental organizations directly attribute this to the clearing of the Batang Toru forest, a critical habitat for endangered Tapanuli orangutans and Sumatran tigers.
Law enforcement officials from the Environment Ministry are actively investigating whether these logs originate from illegal logging operations. The probe includes examining potential forged land titles, illicit timber trade, or attempts to legalize illegally harvested wood.
Investigators will conduct on-site inspections, thorough document checks, and follow financial trails as part of their inquiry.
The floods have claimed over 600 lives in Sumatra since last week, with hundreds more reported missing. The disaster followed Tropical Storm Senyar, which brought heavy rainfall to the region.
The Indonesian central government dispatched warships and military aircraft to transport crucial relief supplies to the victims. Many roads remain impassable, cutting off land access to some affected areas.
The Ministry of Public Works is deploying heavy machinery from ongoing construction projects to clear blocked roads and restore vital infrastructure. This effort aims to accelerate rescue and recovery operations across the devastated region.