Enviro News Asia, Bandung — Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment / Environmental Control Agency (KLH/BPLH) has intensified environmental oversight across nationally prioritized river basins to mitigate hydrometeorological disaster risks, including floods and landslides.
Minister of Environment and Head of BPLH Hanif Faisol Nurofiq instructed the Deputy for Pollution and Environmental Damage Control (PPKL) and the Deputy for Law Enforcement (Gakkum) to strengthen cross-sectoral coordination and implement preventive measures in disaster-prone areas. The directive emphasizes early intervention, integrated supervision, and firm enforcement of environmental regulations.
The initial focus of the initiative is Pasirlangu, Cisarua, West Bandung Regency, where KLH/BPLH has launched a Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA) in collaboration with experts from the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB). The assessment examines landscape conditions and disaster-triggering factors to support evidence-based mitigation measures.
Deputy for PPKL Rasio Ridho Sani stated that preventing and controlling hydrometeorological impacts remains a top public safety priority. He confirmed that field teams are conducting rapid environmental assessments to identify risks and prevent further damage. The technical findings will serve as a basis for revising the Strategic Environmental Assessment (KLHS) and recommending spatial planning adjustments in vulnerable areas.
Academic involvement plays a key role in ensuring scientific rigor. ITB hydrometeorology expert Imam Achmad Sadisun said the collaboration aims to produce accurate projections of upstream vulnerability to extreme rainfall and land movement, supporting more effective risk mitigation.
In parallel, Minister Hanif ordered an in-depth investigation into suspected environmental violations that may have exacerbated landslide impacts. KLH/BPLH has deployed supervisory and investigative teams to collect preliminary evidence and identify parties responsible for non-compliance. The ministry confirmed that environmental law enforcement is an integral component of comprehensive disaster risk management.
The tightened oversight will extend beyond Cisarua to other priority upstream watersheds on Java, including the Citarum, Ciliwung, Serayu, and Bekasi river basins. Outside Java, similar supervision will target the Ayung River Basin in Bali to safeguard environmental stability and tourism ecosystems. Monitoring will focus on business activities in upstream areas to ensure full compliance with environmental carrying capacity and prevent future hydrometeorological disasters. (*)
