ESDM Rechecks Mining Permits in Aceh–North Sumatra After Deadly Flash Floods

Jakarta: The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has begun re-evaluating mining permits in Aceh and North Sumatra after severe flash floods and landslides struck parts of Sumatra last week.

ESDM Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said on Thursday (Dec 4) that his ministry will not hesitate to revoke mining business permits (IUP) if companies are found violating environmental or operational regulations.

“If any mining company is operating outside the rules, we will enforce strict sanctions,” Bahlil told reporters following a meeting with President Prabowo Subianto at the Palace, quoted from Antara, Friday, 5 December 2025.

He stated that a special team is currently conducting inspections in Aceh and North Sumatra to determine whether mining activities contributed to the disasters. He also clarified that flash floods in West Sumatra were unrelated to mining operations.

“There are no such issues in West Sumatra. In Aceh, we are still verifying, and in North Sumatra, the evaluation is ongoing,” he said.

Bahlil added that the Martabe gold mine in South Tapanuli has been temporarily shut down following the disaster. He instructed the company to focus on supporting emergency response efforts for affected communities.

“I visited the Martabe site yesterday. There are three major rivers in the area. The one impacted by the flood is medium-sized; the Martabe river is actually the smallest. Our mining teams are assessing the situation, and once the review is complete, we will determine the next steps,” he explained.

Flash floods swept across Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra on November 25, 2025. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) reported that as of Wednesday (Dec 4), the death toll from flash floods and landslides in Sumatra had risen to 836, with 518 people still missing.