Enviro News Asia, East Aceh — The Minister of Environment and Head of the Environmental Control Agency (KLH/BPLH), Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, conducted an aerial inspection of the severe flash flood impacts in East Aceh on December 14, 2025. The visit underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring public safety while initiating firm legal and policy measures against environmental degradation linked to the disaster.
During the inspection, conducted by helicopter across parts of Aceh’s eastern coastal corridor, the ministry collected preliminary data to support a scientific assessment of forest and land damage suspected to be the root cause of the flooding. The government stated that the findings will serve as the basis for strict law enforcement actions.
Minister Hanif observed extensive environmental degradation in upstream areas that are meant to function as ecological buffers. He noted unusually widened river channels, exposed land cover, and landslide traces leading directly toward residential zones. The observations indicated that the disaster was not solely a natural event but reflected severe pressure on environmental carrying capacity caused by illegal activities.
While surveying areas spanning Tusam, Lhokseumawe, Langsa, and Aceh Tamiang, KLH/BPLH identified strong indications of forest and land encroachment for oil palm plantations and illegal mining. Some of these activities were found on extreme slopes exceeding 45 degrees, which significantly undermines natural water regulation functions and heightens hydrometeorological disaster risks.
The minister emphasized that land use on steep slopes violates environmental protection principles and poses a direct threat to downstream communities. He stressed that environmental violations that endanger public safety will not be tolerated and that all proven offenders will face strict legal consequences.
Following the field findings, KLH/BPLH initiated a comprehensive evaluation of forest and land degradation in affected areas. The assessment includes the condition of forests, watershed systems, and land-use changes that have contributed to increased disaster vulnerability. The ministry confirmed that corporations strongly suspected of contributing to the damage will be subject to compulsory law enforcement measures.
Minister Hanif was accompanied by Deputy for Environmental Law Enforcement Rizal Irawan and Deputy for Pollution and Environmental Damage Control Rasio Ridho Sani. Their presence reinforced the ministry’s commitment to an integrated approach covering supervision, environmental control, and law enforcement.
The minister also conveyed condolences to affected communities and called for collective action to protect the environment. KLH/BPLH reaffirmed its openness to collaboration in forest and land restoration efforts based on scientific data and sustainable practices to safeguard public safety and ensure long-term environmental resilience. (*)
