Prabowo Revokes Licenses: Sumatra Disaster & Next Steps

Prabowo Revokes Permits of 28 Companies Linked to Sumatra Disasters

Indonesia is taking decisive action to address environmental damage, revoking the business permits of 28 companies found to have violated forest use regulations in Sumatra.

Jakarta – In a landmark move signaling a firm commitment to environmental protection, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has revoked the business permits of 28 companies operating in three provinces of Sumatra. The decision, announced Wednesday, stems from findings that these companies contributed to a series of disasters across the region through unsustainable forestry practices.

The government views this action as a crucial first step in regaining control over problematic forest areas. According to officials, the activities of these firms have been directly linked to widespread environmental degradation and a rise in natural disasters impacting local communities. While the permit revocations represent a significant escalation, the government insists this is not the end of the process.

“Even though business permits have been revoked, the government’s steps do not stop there,” a senior official stated. “Further steps must be taken to ensure environmental restoration, realignment of forest areas, and law enforcement for violations that occur.”

The Ministry of Environment (KLH) has confirmed that all 28 companies are now ceasing operations. “Now, by revoking [the permit], it means it is not operating,” explained Rosa Vivien Ratnawati, Secretary of the Ministry of the Environment, during a press conference.

Strategic Environmental Assessments Underway

Currently, the Ministry is preparing a Strategic Environmental Study (KLHS) to determine the best course of action for land management following the permit revocations. This assessment will involve a comprehensive mapping of current environmental conditions, identification of damaged areas, and the formulation of a detailed recovery scheme.

The government also intends to take ownership of the land previously utilized by the 28 companies, which were implicated in causing flooding in Sumatra. “So, maybe for the next plan, we will definitely do it, encourage the return of environmental functions, yes, to ensure there is good carrying capacity,” said Deputy Minister of the Environment, Diaz Hendropriyono. However, the specific entities to which the land will be transferred remain undecided.

Employee Impact and Legal Ramifications

A key concern surrounding the permit revocations is the fate of the employees working for the affected companies. The Ministry of Environment has pledged to coordinate with the Ministry of Manpower (Kemenaker) to address this issue. “What about the employees? Well, this is something we also have to discuss with the Ministry of Manpower and so on,” Ratnawati acknowledged.

The decision to revoke the licenses is underpinned by the demonstrable link between the companies’ actions and the recent disasters. “Because they have indeed contributed to the disaster that occurred. Disasters are extraordinary, friends already know,” one official emphasized. The Attorney General’s Office is already investigating the potential for criminal charges related to the companies’ violations.

This decisive action by President Subianto signals a new era of environmental accountability in Indonesia, with a clear message that unsustainable practices will not be tolerated. The long-term success of this initiative will depend on the effective implementation of the KLHS, a just transition for affected workers, and the rigorous pursuit of legal recourse against those responsible for environmental damage.