Tanah Datar Regent Affirms Never Issued IMB Along The Anai River

Air portraits of a number of heavy equipment cleaning and working on the national road were badly damaged due to overflowing water from the Batang Anai River in Tanah Datar Regency. (Between/Fandi Yogari).

The Regent of Tanah Datar Regency, West Sumatra (West Sumatra), Eka Putra, confirmed that he had never issued a Building Permit (IMB) for parties to build buildings along the banks of the Batang Anai River which is included in a protected forest area.

"During my time as regent, I never issued permits for buildings along the river," said Eka Putra in Tanah Datar Regency, as reported by ANTARA, Thursday, May 23.

However, Eka did not deny that the building around the Anai Valley Waterfall had been standing for a long time. Regarding the permit, the local regent said that it was entirely under the auspices of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) because the area was included in a protected forest area.

"So you see, the permit is in the hands of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, not with us (regional governments)," said Eka Putra.

The Regent of Tanah Datar also said that several parties had previously consulted with the local government (Pemda) regarding the permit to build buildings along the river flow that entered the protected forest.

However, the local government still did not issue an IMB because the location included a protected forest area. Unfortunately, after that there are still parties who continue to build buildings or do not heed the existing rules.

"Of course, buildings that do not have permits are questioned and written," he said.

Eka Putra appealed to people who are still living or building buildings along the Batang Anai River to move immediately. Because, apart from being dangerous, it also violates the existing rules.

Meanwhile, West Sumatra Governor Mahyeldi said the initial step taken by the local government was to secure residents who were still living around the Batang Anai River.

After securing the residents, the governor said that he would immediately conduct a thorough evaluation, including the building that was still standing around the river. "Later we will evaluate it," said Governor Mahyeldi.