Commission VIII DPR Suspects Sumatra Floods Due To Illegal Logging, Urges Residents To Stay Patient

Senayan Parliament Building Jakarta. (Antaranews)

JAKARTA - Chairman of Commission VIII DPR RI, Marwan Dasopang, suspects that flash floods occurred in a number of areas of North Sumatra, especially in South Tapanuli (Tapsel) and Tapanuli Tangah (Tapteng) due to illegal logging or forest additions by certain individuals.

Marwan hopes that the government will coordinate with the TNI/Polri to conduct an investigation regarding the additional forest that has occurred in the North Sumatra region. However, the government must first deal with the impact of disasters that occur in the community, such as sending aid directly.

"We'll see, the fact is that when there was a flash flood in Tapteng and Tapsel, which were swept away by a lot of logs, it means that there were additional forests upstream of the river, causing flash floods," Marwan told reporters, Friday, November 28.

The PKB legislator from the North Sumatra II electoral district reminded the government not to underestimate forest additional activities. Because according to Marwan, those who take personal advantage are certain parties, while the community and government are the ones who bear the problem.

"We urge the government and related officials to investigate the addition of forests in the North Sumatra region. Because if this continues, natural disasters like this will continue to occur if forest additions are not immediately addressed," he said.

"Because due to the flash flood, landslides occurred, the road was broken, as well as bridges, houses, and people's property destroyed," he continued.

Marwan also appealed to people affected by the current disaster to remain patient. He believes that the government has so far been trying to handle it, especially since many damaged infrastructure has hampered aid shipments.

"For families affected by disasters, including death, we are sorry. For people who are currently still displaced, we hope to keep their spirits up," he said.

"The point is, the government will not let the public take care of their own business, they will definitely attend, but still ask for patience. Moreover, we cannot control this weather, the rainfall is still so high at this time," he concluded.