Indonesia revokes forest permits after deadly Sumatra floods

Audit finds violations by dozens of firms following disaster that killed more than 1,200

By Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) - Indonesia on Tuesday revoked the permits of 28 companies for violating forest utilization rules, following the findings of an audit launched after deadly floods struck parts of Sumatra province in late November.

President Prabowo Subianto “has decided to revoke the permits of 28 companies found guilty of violations,” based on a report by the Forest Area Enforcement Task Force, presidential spokesman Prasetyo Hadi said, according to Kompas TV.

Of the companies affected, 22 are involved in forest utilization activities covering more than 1 million hectares (2.4 million acres), while the remaining six operate in the mining and plantation sectors.

Indonesia’s Environment Ministry has earlier filed lawsuits against six companies accused of causing environmental damage linked to the severe flooding in Sumatra, seeking nearly $283.9 million in compensation.

Indonesia is prone to flash floods and landslides during the rainy season due to heavy rainfall and vulnerable terrain.

Floods that have hit Indonesia’s Sumatra Island since late November have left at least 1,200 people dead, with 143 others still missing, and displaced thousands, according to disaster agency data.

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