Enviro News Asia, Medan —The Ministry of Environment, through the Environmental Control Agency (KLH/BPLH), conducted an on-site assessment in Garoga District, North Tapanuli, to address the recent flooding and landslides affecting upstream watershed areas. Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq led the verification effort to ensure rapid emergency response, identify environmental drivers, and reinforce the Ministry’s commitment to a comprehensive environmental review before determining recovery and enforcement measures.
Minister Hanif inspected several affected locations, met residents who lost homes and essential access, and reviewed the condition of the Garoga River, where large volumes of wood debris accumulated. Preliminary findings showed a mixture of naturally fallen trees and wood materials that entered the river under non-natural circumstances. A technical assessment team—including environmental experts, academics, and KLH/BPLH auditors—will trace the source, movement patterns, and potential misuse of land that may have intensified the disaster’s impact.
He stated that initial evaluations confirmed the wood debris did not originate from the upper Batang Toru watershed. However, he emphasized the need for detailed verification and asserted that legal action—including criminal charges—would be pursued if evidence showed deliberate disposal or negligence that increased flood risks.
Based on aerial and ground assessments over the past two days, KLH/BPLH added one company to the list of entities ordered to suspend operations pending an environmental audit, bringing the total to four. The temporary halts aim to prevent business activities from worsening hydrological conditions and endangering communities. Environmental audits, permit-compliance checks, and land-use evaluations will be conducted rigorously and transparently with independent experts.
Minister Hanif reiterated that all policy and enforcement decisions will rely on technical findings and verified field evidence. KLH/BPLH will coordinate with local governments, BNPB, relevant agencies, and affected communities to facilitate emergency relief, rehabilitation work, and integrated mitigation steps.
He underscored that priority actions include restoring basic access for affected residents, removing debris that obstructs river flow, and designing medium-term recovery plans that incorporate watershed-ecosystem restoration. The Ministry stressed that temporary business suspensions fall within government authority to ensure that development activities do not aggravate hydrological risks or threaten public safety.
As part of transparency efforts, KLH/BPLH will release findings from environmental audits and field verifications once assessments conclude. The Ministry will also announce enforcement actions if violations are confirmed, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding watershed ecosystems while balancing development and environmental safety. (*)
