January 10, 2026 | 11:06 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Task Force for Forest Area Enforcement has intensified its investigation into dozens of companies in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra following recent flooding in the three provinces.
The inquiry focuses on forest area management, business operations in river basins, and the legality of upstream permits.
Initial Investigations Across Three Provinces
The task force spokesperson Barita Simanjuntak said initial investigations in Aceh have targeted nine companies operating in river basins, particularly in upstream areas where forest conversion is suspected.
“In Aceh, there are indications of violations, and initial investigations have been conducted against nine companies related to river basins and forest area conversion,” Barita said at the Attorney General's Office in Jakarta on Thursday, January 8, 2026.
In North Sumatra, eight companies operating in the Batang Toru area—including those in Sungai Garoga and Langkat—are under review.
West Sumatra investigations cover fourteen companies across three river basins. These early-stage examinations are aimed at gathering field data and establishing factual evidence.
Prioritizing Companies for Further Action
From the broader investigation, task force has identified twelve companies that require closer scrutiny: eight in North Sumatra, two in West Sumatra, and two in Aceh.
“We found twelve companies that are linked to the disaster, and immediate action will be taken,” Barita said.
Handling Options and Enforcement Measures
The task force has outlined several approaches for addressing potential violations. These include permit evaluations, administrative fines, and, if warranted, criminal law enforcement.
“The alternative actions include not extending permits, revoking permits, imposing administrative fines, and/or pursuing criminal penalties,” Barita explained.
The enforcement process is staged: first, repossessing land; second, collecting administrative fines; and third, asset recovery. Barita emphasized that administrative measures do not preclude criminal proceedings where violations involve criminal elements.
Pro Justitia Process for Legal Certainty
The twelve prioritized companies are now undergoing the pro justitia track, a formal legal process, at the North Sumatra and West Sumatra High Prosecutor's Offices.
“These corporations are currently undergoing examination,” Barita said. The task force is reviewing the legality of permits and whether business practices on the ground align with authorized permits, particularly in flood-prone river basins and upstream forest areas.
The task force has established a system of summons for the companies under investigation. Each company receives two notices with a specific response deadline. If a company fails to cooperate or demonstrate good intentions, the task force will take further action in line with Indonesian law.
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