KLH Temporarily Seals A Number Of Mining Locations In West Sumatra Flood Response

The Ministry of Environment (KLH) has temporarily sealed and installed surveillance boards at several mining locations in West Sumatra (West Sumatra) following up on the impact of flooding in the area.

The Minister of Environment (LH)/Head of the Environmental Control Agency (BPLH), Hanif Faisol Nurofiq said the move was aimed at temporarily stopping operations that could potentially worsen hydrological conditions, ensuring fulfillment of environmental obligations, and protecting the safety of affected residents.

"Community compliance is not just a formality, this is a matter of public safety and the carrying capacity of the region. We will not hesitate to enforce the rules to protect the community," said Hanif Faisol Nurofiq as confirmed from Jakarta, Antara, Thursday, December 11.

He said the sealing was carried out after the KLH/BPLH supervisory team together with the Deputy for Environmental Law Enforcement carried out field verification and found that the mine openings were left neglected, not being reclamationd, and there was no monitoring of running water and potential landslides.

This condition is thought to exacerbate erosion and mud flows that inundate settlements downstream.

Field findings show that some open land is not equipped with valid environmental approval documents. The supervisory team asked for official information from related companies, examined Amdal documents or environmental permits, and assessed the implementation of post-mining erosion, drainage, and reclamation control measures.

The sealing is temporary and will be lifted if the company can prove the fulfillment of environmental obligations and adequate improvement plans.

The KLH/BPLH stated that the action was part of a series of transparent and accountable environmental law enforcement.

In addition to sealing, the ministry has instructed the installation of a public surveillance sign so that the public knows the status of the location and steps taken by the government in preventing prolonged impacts.

"Unilangan tambang yang tidak direklamasi dan tanpa pemantauan air laran berisiko tinggi memicu banjir dan longsor. Pemerintah hadir untuk memastikan pelaku usaha bertanggung jawab," ujar Menteri Hanif.

The inspection process will involve technical assessment of the management of former mines, quality monitoring and quantity of water flow, as well as verification of the reclamation plan. If administrative or technical violations are found, KLH/BPLH will continue the process of sanctions in accordance with the laws and regulations, including administrative actions and law enforcement recommendations.

KLH/BPLH also appealed to local governments, law enforcement officials, and the community to coordinate in recovery efforts, clean up materials that hinder river flow, as well as reorganize vulnerable areas.

The ministry emphasized the importance of ongoing supervision so that mining practices do not sacrifice the function of protected areas, water administration, and public safety.

"This action is not just closing the location, this is a call to improve the practice of environmental management for a safer future for the people of West Sumatra," explained Hanif.