Enviro News Asia, Padang — Indonesia’s Minister of Environment and Environmental Control Agency (KLH/BPLH), Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, conducted a working visit and field verification in areas affected by floods and landslides in Padang, West Sumatra, on 9 December 2025. The visit underscored that the damage causing the disaster was largely driven by natural factors, prompting the need for a comprehensive assessment of environmental carrying capacity in high-risk zones.
The Minister, accompanied by the Governor of West Sumatra, the Mayor of Padang, and the Deputy Regent of Padang Pariaman, carried out aerial monitoring and on-site inspections of critical locations. Field observations identified large logs along river channels and coastal areas, most of which were intact trees uprooted by extreme water pressure rather than the result of extensive logging activities. These initial findings shifted the focus toward hydrometeorological conditions, slope steepness, and river morphology as dominant contributors.
Minister Hanif emphasized that the surrounding hills form a vital protection zone for Padang and nearby areas, warning that disruption of these natural buffers could exacerbate disaster impacts. He stated that almost all the wood carried downstream originated from entire trees uprooted by intense rainfall and steep slopes.
Following the inspection, KLH/BPLH announced plans to conduct a full evaluation of environmental documents, including Environmental Impact Assessments (AMDAL) related to watershed and industrial areas near impacted zones. One of the immediate concerns is updating rainfall parameters, as many AMDAL documents still use a reference of 125 mm, whereas actual rainfall during the event reached between 350 and 450 mm.
The Minister instructed several priority actions, including accelerating the removal of timber debris along coastal areas with a completion target of one month, reorganizing settlements located on river bends and banks, and reviewing spatial planning in steep hillside areas. Relocation of communities residing in high-risk zones will be considered to ensure public safety.
Minister Hanif also highlighted the need to enhance disaster coordination and improve the speed of information delivery to residents. He called for the use of early warning technologies and closer data synchronization with BMKG to ensure faster evacuation and mitigation responses. KLH/BPLH will strengthen local environmental management through regulatory enforcement, technical standard revisions, and improved monitoring aligned with statutory authority.
Local governments expressed their commitment to accelerating cleanup and recovery. Minister Hanif conveyed deep concern over the loss of life and significant destruction, urging cross-sector collaboration and community participation to reinforce environmental protection and long-term disaster mitigation. (*)
