Enviro News Asia, Jakarta — The Ministry of Environment/Environmental Control Agency (KLH/BPLH) has sealed and installed public monitoring notices at the operational area of a palm oil plantation and mill owned by PT Tri Bahtera Srikandi (PT TBS), a subsidiary of PT Sago Nauli Plantation (PT SNP), in Central Tapanuli, North Sumatra. The action followed recent flooding in Sumatra and aimed to temporarily halt activities that could worsen hydrological conditions while ensuring environmental compliance to protect public safety and support ecosystem recovery.
Environment Minister and Head of BPLH Hanif Faisol Nurofiq ordered the sealing on December 7, 2025, as part of strengthened government oversight of business activities that may affect water governance and community safety.
The enforcement process began after authorities monitored extreme rainfall impacts and received reports of environmental disturbances at several locations in North Sumatra. KLH/BPLH inspection teams conducted field verification and identified indications of land management practices requiring clarification. Based on preliminary findings, the ministry sealed the operational area and installed monitoring signage to stop potentially risky activities until environmental explanations and documents are verified.
Minister Hanif stated that the sealing does not constitute a final sanction but represents an initial step to ensure the fulfillment of all environmental obligations and to prevent corporate activities from aggravating surrounding ecological conditions.
KLH/BPLH has requested official explanations from PT SNP as the parent company and summoned relevant parties to submit Environmental Impact Assessment (AMDAL) documents, environmental permits, and evidence of environmental management and monitoring measures. Environmental inspectors will assess both administrative and technical compliance, including soil conservation practices, drainage management, and erosion mitigation measures relevant to flood control.
The ministry confirmed that the sealing aligns with KLH/BPLH’s authority to enforce environmental regulations and protect protected areas and water systems. The measure remains temporary and will be lifted once the company demonstrates compliance and presents an adequate corrective action plan. Should inspectors find serious violations, KLH/BPLH will proceed with administrative sanctions and further legal enforcement in accordance with prevailing laws.
Minister Hanif emphasized that recent floods serve as a reminder that all business operators must fully uphold environmental responsibilities, placing public safety and environmental carrying capacity as top priorities.
KLH/BPLH also instructed cross-sector coordination with provincial and district governments and technical agencies to accelerate recovery efforts, remove debris obstructing river flows, and reorganize high-risk areas. The ministry will disclose inspection progress and follow-up measures transparently while continuing to monitor operational impacts on local hydrology and community safety. (*)
