Activists Push to Revoke Corporate Operating Licenses Over Sumatra's Eco Damage

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Environmental group Wahana Lingkungan Hidup Indonesia (WALHI) is calling on the government to take tougher action against companies accused of contributing to recent deadly floods and landslides in Sumatra.

The organization says the Ministry of Environment and Forestry should revoke corporate permits linked to large-scale environmental degradation.

WALHI argues that weak oversight and destructive resource exploitation have worsened ecological vulnerability across western Indonesia, leading to recurring disasters that have claimed lives and displaced thousands.

WALHI Demands Permit Review and Halt on New Licenses

“The government needs to act more firmly and progressively in evaluating corporate permits, given the scale of the damage,” said Uli Artha Siagian, Head of WALHI’s Campaign Division, in a written statement on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.

“We also urge the government to stop issuing new permits during this enforcement process.”

The NGO has identified at least 13 companies in forestry, mining, and plantation operations that it says have significantly reduced environmental capacity in vulnerable regions.

WALHI also reported:

• 62 illegal gold mining operations in Solok and Sijunjung, West Sumatra

• 5,208 hectares of forest in Aceh converted into oil palm plantations by 14 companies, affecting 954 watersheds

• Ongoing land-use impacts inside the Harangan Tapanuli ecosystem in North, Central, and South Tapanuli, and Sibolga City

• 72,938 hectares of deforestation in the Batangtoru ecosystem from 2016 to 2024 involving 18 companies

Uli said the government must create a dedicated task force to evaluate permits and illegal operations to prevent further disasters. “Without strong law enforcement, communities and the environment will continue to suffer,” she said.

Ministry of Forestry Steps Up Inspections

The Ministry of Environment and Forestry has recently intensified inspections. On Monday, December 8, it announced the sealing of three more legal entities suspected of causing environmental harm in Sumatra, bringing the total to seven.

“Anyone who destroys the forest will be dealt with,” said Minister Raja Juli Antoni. He added that five additional companies operating around the Batangtoru watershed are now under investigation.

“If violations are found, sealing will be carried out, whether the entity is a corporation or a land rights owner,” the minister said, promising “uncompromising” enforcement.

Greenpeace: Action Needed, Not Just Pressure

Greenpeace Indonesia welcomed the ministry’s recent enforcement actions but stressed that they must not rely solely on public pressure.

Kiki Taufik, Global Forest Campaign Lead for Greenpeace Indonesia, said the government must remain committed throughout environmental audits and legal processes.

He emphasized that transparency is essential in law enforcement so the public can actively monitor the process. “Openness is crucial to ensure accountability,” Kiki said.

Kiki also highlighted the case of PT GAG Nickel in Raja Ampat, whose business permit was previously announced to be terminated but later reinstated after a six-month suspension. He warned that such decisions must not overlook the principle of environmental responsibility.

“Law enforcement should ensure that environmental obligations are fulfilled,” he said.

Read: Community Self-Reliance amid Sumatra Floods

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