DPR Calls Sumatran Disaster Must Be The Government's Alarm: Evaluation Of Big Mining And Plantation Permits

JAKARTA - Flash floods and landslides in a number of areas of Sumatra Island cannot only be considered as mere disasters.

Deputy Chairperson of the PKB faction of the DPR RI, Maman Imanulhaq, said this incident should be a strong warning to the Central and Regional Governments.

"Ecosystem damage, the rise of extractive industries, massive development that does not pay attention to the carrying capacity of the environment, as well as the weak preparedness of the Regional and Central Governments are factors that exacerbate the situation."

"Repetitive disasters like this should be a strong warning that Indonesia's natural governance is in critical condition and requires serious attention and measurable action from all stakeholders," Maman said in a written statement to reporters on Saturday, November 29, 2025.

Maman, who is also a member of the DPR RI Disaster Management Supervisory Team (Timwas Bencana), said that the evaluation of business licenses could no longer be postponed.

"A thorough evaluation of extractive business licenses such as mines and large plantations that damage land cover," he said.

Furthermore, Maman also said that the revitalization of watersheds (DAS), massive reforestation, spatial restructuring based on disaster risk mitigation so that an increase in the budget for preparedness and recovery from disasters needs to be done.

"The state must come with a bolder, more ecological, and more humane policy to prevent similar disasters from recurring in the future."

"We must move quickly, join hands, and learn from every disaster so as not to continue repeating the same wounds. The safety of the people must be the highest priority," said Maman.