Indonesia’s ESDM Minister Vows Strict Action Against Mining Permits Linked to Flash Floods in Sumatra

Jakarta, TAMBANG – Indonesia’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia has announced plans to impose stringent penalties on mining permits in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra if they are found to trigger flash floods.

The minister noted his ministry is conducting a comprehensive evaluation of all mining operations across the three regions. “We are checking activities in West Sumatra and Aceh, while our evaluation team assesses North Sumatra. Post-evaluation, I will verify if these mines have caused adverse impacts,” Bahlil stated in an official release on Friday (December 5).

Should the assessment reveal mining firms violated regulations leading to environmental degradation and flash floods, Bahlil emphasized strict sanctions will follow. “Any mine or Mining Business Permit (IUP) holder operating outside applicable rules will face severe penalties,” he added.

Bahlil warned non-comp...