Enviro News Asia, Jakarta — The Ministry of Environment and Environmental Control Agency (KLH/BPLH) has partnered with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology to accelerate post-disaster environmental recovery following hydrometeorological floods in North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and Aceh.
The collaboration was announced during a press conference at the KLH/BPLH Office in South Jakarta on Tuesday, December 23, 2025. The initiative focuses on three main pillars: the application of science-based approaches for long-term mitigation, the evaluation of spatial planning in disaster-prone areas, and the enforcement of environmental regulations in affected regions.
Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, Minister of Environment and Head of KLH/BPLH, stated that the measures were taken under the direction of the President to ensure both immediate recovery and long-term resilience.
“Following the President’s instruction, we are implementing rapid measures to restore the environment while strengthening post-disaster resilience in Sumatra. Together with the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, we are reinforcing joint actions that have already been initiated,” Hanif said.
According to the ministry’s assessment, flooding and landslides in the three provinces were caused by interconnected factors, including significant forest cover conversion to non-forest areas, unstable geomorphological conditions in parts of West and North Sumatra, and climate change impacts, particularly Tropical Cyclone Senyar, which brought extreme rainfall to the region.
As a follow-up, KLH/BPLH and the higher education ministry are developing science- and technology-based recovery measures capable of projecting disaster risks and environmental needs. A Rapid Environmental Assessment is currently being prepared to provide technical recommendations for rehabilitation locations, including residential areas and agricultural land. The assessment aims to ensure that permanent housing development is directed to safer zones and is targeted for completion in January 2026.
In parallel, both ministries are reviewing the implementation of the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA/KLHS) as the basis for spatial and sectoral planning policies. The evaluation will examine alignment between existing spatial plans and actual field conditions to identify environmental governance gaps. This review process is expected to be completed within three months.
Brian Yuliarto, Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, emphasized the importance of academic involvement in disaster recovery.
“Post-disaster management is a strategic national priority. We fully support the involvement of multidisciplinary academics to strengthen objective and accountable scientific studies under the coordination of KLH/BPLH,” Brian said.
KLH/BPLH has also intensified environmental law enforcement in affected regions. In North Sumatra, nine business entities in the Batang Toru and Garoga watershed areas are under supervision, with five cases completed and four still under review. In West Sumatra, 17 business entities are undergoing follow-up environmental audits. Meanwhile, in Aceh, supervision targets include 28 mining entities and 21 licensed oil palm plantations, with 761 illegal violations already identified.
Environmental audits covering more than 100 business activities across Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra are currently underway, with large-scale operations prioritized. Initial audit results are expected by March 2026 and will serve as the basis for further legal action.
“Through environmental audits and spatial planning evaluations, we aim to obtain a comprehensive picture of on-the-ground conditions so that corrective measures and law enforcement can be applied accurately,” Hanif said.
Audit outcomes will determine subsequent enforcement measures, including administrative sanctions, criminal prosecution, or civil lawsuits, depending on the severity of violations and environmental impacts.
Through this coordinated effort, KLH/BPLH and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology reaffirm their commitment to integrated, science-based, and data-driven post-disaster recovery to enhance environmental resilience and public safety across Sumatra. (*)
