December 11, 2025 | 10:50 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Ministry of Environment (KLH) has sealed the PT Tri Bahtera Srikandi (PT TBS) palm oil plantation, a subsidiary of PT Sago Nauli Plantation (PT SNP) in Tapanuli Tengah, North Sumatra, which is suspected to have contributed to flooding at the end of last November. The Minister of Environment, Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, stated that the operation of the plantation and its factory, which are at risk of worsening the hydrological conditions, must be temporarily halted, while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
"This step is a strengthening of government supervision over business activities that potentially affect water management and public safety," he said in a written statement on Thursday, December 11, 2025.
Before installing supervision signs at the PT TBS work area, the ministry officers had monitored several points in North Sumatra after extreme rainfall. The monitoring team conducted field verifications and found indications of land management practices that need clarification. The signs will be installed once TBS's environmental information and documents have been verified.
"This sealing is not a final punishment, but the initial step to ensure that all environmental obligations are fulfilled and the company's activities do not worsen the ecological conditions around it," said Hanif.
The authorities have officially requested information from PT SNP as the parent company of PT TBS. The management was asked to submit Environmental Impact Assessments (AMDAL), environmental permits, and evidence of the implementation of environmental management and monitoring measures. The ministry inspectors will assess the company's compliance with administrative and technical requirements, including the implementation of soil conservation practices, drainage management, and relevant erosion mitigation efforts related to flood control.
The sealing will end if PT TBS or its parent entity demonstrates compliance with environmental obligations and presents adequate improvement plans. Conversely, Hanif promised legal action if any violations are found.
"Flood disasters remind us that every business actor must fully fulfill environmental obligations. Public safety and environmental sustainability must be a priority," he said.
So far, the Environment Ministry has also requested regulators at the provincial, district, and technical institution levels to expedite the restoration of the area and the removal of materials blocking river flow. Hanif made sure that his agency consistently monitored, evaluated, and followed up on the activities of palm oil plantations and factories that could affect water management and public safety.
Read: Floods and Landslides Hit North Sumatra's South Nias
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