Enviro News Asia, North Sumatra– The Ministry of Forestry, through the Directorate General of Forestry Law Enforcement (Gakkum), initiated a coordinated investigation to determine the causes of environmental degradation in the upper watersheds of Batang Toru and Sibuluan in North Sumatra. Officials identified indications of forest-cover decline that may have intensified flooding and landslides across Tapanuli Utara, Tapanuli Tengah, and Tapanuli Selatan.
Gakkum’s field verification teams reported that damaged forest areas on steep slopes reduced the soil’s capacity to absorb extreme rainfall, allowing intense runoff to travel rapidly downstream. Teams also observed wood debris carried by floodwaters, suggesting land clearing and timber extraction inconsistent with existing regulations.
Director General of Forestry Law Enforcement Dwi Januanto Nugroho stated that investigators detected a recurring pattern linking upstream forest destruction with severe disasters in downstream communities. He explained that landholders with legal permits for private land management appeared to misuse these permits as a cover for illegal logging that encroached on state forest areas.
Gakkum formed a joint task force to collect materials and statements from parties allegedly involved in forest degradation. Initial assessments identified twelve legal subjects—both corporate and individual—who may be connected to activities that disrupted forest cover. Field operations continue despite difficult terrain, heavy rainfall, and limited access to affected zones.
Since 4 December, enforcement teams installed official prohibition boards at five locations under investigation: two points within the concession of PT TPL and three locations held under private land titles belonging to JAM, AR, and DP. Investigators from the Gakkum Sumatra office simultaneously opened a criminal case involving JAM after officers seized four trucks loaded with undocumented timber.
Authorities are applying Article 83(1)(b) in conjunction with Article 12(e) of Law No. 18/2013 on Forest Destruction, which carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to Rp 2.5 billion. All twelve subjects have been summoned for further questioning on 9 December 2025.
Dwi Januanto confirmed that enforcement teams have sealed all locations suspected of hosting illegal activities. He added that the process aims to secure evidence, verify facts, and prepare cases that ensure transparent and fair legal action. Gakkum plans to coordinate with relevant agencies to support watershed restoration and strengthen protection for affected communities.
In parallel with criminal enforcement, the Ministry is reviewing the possibility of applying money-laundering statutes to trace illicit financial gains and preparing a civil lawsuit under Articles 72 and 76 of the Forestry Law to recover environmental losses. Restoration measures will involve reforestation, erosion-control interventions, and the clearing of river channels obstructed by debris.
The Ministry of Forestry reaffirmed its commitment to professional, transparent, and integrated action with all stakeholders to address upstream environmental damage. Officials emphasized that firm enforcement against forest-related violations is essential to public safety and the long-term resilience of watershed ecosystems. (*)
