Indonesia Probes 12 Legal Entities Over Forest Destruction Behind Sumatra Floods

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Directorate General of Law Enforcement under Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment and Forestry is investigating 12 legal entities suspected of damaging forests in the upstream areas of Tapanuli Utara, Tapanuli Tengah, and Tapanuli Selatan, NNorth Sumatra.

Authorities believe this deforestation may have contributed to recent severe floods and landslides in the region.

Director General Dwi Januanto Nugroho said his team identified environmental damage in upstream river basins, which likely intensified the impact of downstream disasters.

Field verification and initial analyses suggest that, in addition to extreme rainfall, illegal logging and land clearing have degraded forest cover in the Batang Toru and Sibuluan river basins.

“Destruction of forest cover upstream reduces the land’s ability to absorb water, turning heavy rainfall into rapid surface runoff that triggers floods and landslides,” Dwi said in a statement on Saturday, December 6, 2025. He noted that logs and wood debris carried by river currents indicate possible illegal activities.

The Ministry is also investigating potential misuse of legal land rights (PHAT) as a cover for illegal logging on state forest lands. “This is an extraordinary crime that sacrifices public safety,” Dwi added.

Joint Investigation and Challenges

A joint investigation team has been formed to collect evidence on the suspected activities. The 12 suspects include both corporations and individuals. Challenging terrain, extreme weather, and limited access have complicated field operations, but teams continue verification efforts across multiple sites.

Since December 4, 2025, investigators have installed prohibition signs at five key locations: two in PT TPL’s concession area and three on lands held by individuals identified as JAM, AR, and DP.

Meanwhile, the Civil Servant Investigator Team (PPNS) of the Sumatra Gakkum Office is probing alleged forestry crimes by JAM after four trucks loaded with undocumented wood were discovered.

The legal framework under investigation includes Article 83 paragraph (1) letter b in conjunction with Article 12 letter e of Law No. 18 of 2013 on the Prevention and Eradication of Forest Destruction. Convictions carry up to five years in prison and fines of up to IDR 2.5 billion.

Dwi confirmed that all 12 suspects will be summoned for further questioning on Tuesday, December 9, 2025.

“Field teams have already sealed sites suspected of illegal activity,” he said. “This is part of a comprehensive approach to verification, evidence collection, and ensuring a fair and transparent law enforcement process.”

Broader Restoration and Legal Measures

Beyond criminal investigations, authorities are considering applying the Anti-Money Laundering Law to trace and seize assets derived from forestry crimes. Civil lawsuits may also be filed under Articles 72 and 76 of the Forestry Law to restore ecological functions in affected areas.

The Ministry plans technical interventions for upstream river basin recovery in collaboration with the Directorate General of River Basin Management, forest rehabilitation teams, local governments, and communities. Recovery efforts include vegetation rehabilitation, erosion control, and the restructuring of blocked river channels to reduce future flood risks.

Read: Why Deforestation Is Turning Aceh's Floods Into Deadly Disasters

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