Flooding Crisis: Minister Blames 14 Years of Control Issues
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Indonesia Cracks Down on Companies Linked to Sumatra Disasters, Addresses Decades-Long Regulatory gap
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Indonesian authorities are taking firm action against companies suspected of exacerbating recent flood and landslide disasters in Sumatra, including halting operations, initiating environmental audits, and calculating financial penalties.The move comes alongside a revelation that the Ministry of the Surroundings lacked sufficient oversight authority for 14 years.
Minister of the Environment and Head of the Environmental Control agency (KLH/BPLH) Hanif Faisol Nurofiq stated the ministry’s limited role stemmed from regional government laws that devolved environmental management responsibilities. “for almost 14 years, the environment minister was only the environment minister, with only two duties: formulating policies and coordinating,” Nurofiq explained on Saturday, December 6, 2025 as reported by The Jakarta Post.
Regulatory Gap and Current Actions
The acknowledgment of the 14-year oversight gap underscores a systemic weakness in Indonesia’s environmental regulations. Nurofiq indicated that the current actions extend beyond administrative measures. ”The order must be firm and we will carry out as best we can, all the elements that complement this case. The four (companies) are already in the process, including administrative sanctions, stopping activities, carrying out environmental audits, calculating their civil contributions, then exploring the imposition of criminal elements,” he concluded.
while the specific companies involved have not been publicly named in initial reports, the scope of the investigation suggests a focus on entities with direct environmental impact. The government’s multi-pronged approach – encompassing sanctions, audits, and potential criminal charges – signals a determination to hold these companies accountable.
Indonesia’s Environmental Regulations: A Brief Overview
indonesia’s environmental regulations are complex,involving national laws and regional autonomy. Key legislation includes:
- Law No. 32 of 2009 on Environmental Protection and management: This is the primary law governing environmental protection in Indonesia.
- Government regulation no. 27 of 2012 on Environmental Permits: Details the requirements for obtaining environmental permits.
- Various Ministerial Regulations: Provide further guidance on specific environmental issues.