Indonesia to Review Mining Practices After Deadly Sumatra Floods

Jakarta: Indonesia’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has announced a comprehensive review of mining operations that are suspected of violating good mining practices, following the devastating flash floods that struck several regions in Sumatra.

“Any mining activity that impacts the environment must be ready for evaluation. This applies to all mining operations,” said ESDM Ministry spokesperson Dwi Anggia in Jakarta on Monday.

Anggia explained that while the government’s priority remains restoring flood-hit areas and stabilizing energy supplies, mining sites linked to ecosystem degradation will be closely examined. Environmental advocates say the disaster highlights long-standing issues.

Melky Nahar, Coordinator of the Mining Advocacy Network (JATAM), argued that Sumatra has been treated as a “sacrifice zone” for mineral and coal extraction.

He noted that the island holds 1,907 active mining permits covering over 2.4 million hectares, including 271 permits granted under the Forest Area Use Approval (PPKH) scheme.

“At the forest level, PPKH has become the main gateway for converting protected areas into extractive zones,” Nahar said, as quoted from Antara, Tuesday, 2 December 2025.

One of the companies operating under this scheme is PT Agincourt Resources (PTAR), which runs the Martabe gold mine in the Batang Toru Ecosystem. Land clearing within forest zones has raised concerns about watershed disruption.

PTAR, however, denied any connection to the flash flood.

“The flood in Garoga Village occurred in the Garoga/Aek Ngadil watershed, which is completely separate from the Aek Pahu watershed where PTAR operates,” said Katarina Siburian Hardono, Senior Manager of Corporate Communications.

She added that PTAR’s monitoring found no wood materials from its concession linked to debris in the flooded area.

“PTAR fully supports the government’s comprehensive investigation into all contributing factors and is ready to cooperate transparently,” Katarina said.