Illegal Logging Firm Faces Prosecution for Causing Sumatran Floods

The Indonesian National Police (Bareskrim Polri) has officially handed over investigation files concerning environmental law violations by PT TBS, which allegedly caused floods and landslides in Sumatra, to the prosecutor's office. Brig. Gen. Moh Irhamni, Director of Special Crimes at Bareskrim Polri, stated that two individuals and the corporation PT TBS have been named as suspects in this case. The transfer of suspects and evidence, known as "Tahap II," was completed on Friday, August 28, to the Sibolga District Prosecutor's Office in North Sumatra. The suspects include PT TBS, its Director identified by the initials NC, and its Manager identified by the initials FH. The evidence handed over consists of two excavators, one bulldozer, and several company documents. Irhamni explained that the suspects engaged in logging activities in the Batang Toru District, South Tapanuli, and the Sibabangun District, Central Tapanuli. The suspects are being charged under Article 109 letter a and/or Article 98 and/or Article 99 of Law Number 32 of 2009 concerning Environmental Protection and Management. "In accordance with the direction of President Prabowo Subianto, we will take firm action against perpetrators of environmental violations that harm the community," Irhamni concluded. Previously, Irhamni had announced that his team had begun investigating the discovery of logs in the Garoga and Anggoli River basins in Tapanuli. He stated that they were applying charges related to environmental crimes, money laundering, and also holding individuals and corporations accountable. In this case, Irhamni said the logs are suspected to originate from land clearing activities conducted by PT TBS in the Tapanuli region of North Sumatra. The company is suspected of not complying with its Environmental Management and Monitoring Efforts (UKL-UPL) during land clearing. The land clearing activities are believed to have been ongoing for approximately a year. "Approximately, according to the statement, about a year ago. However, we are trying to examine the evidence, including documents and plans, to re-verify," he stated. Furthermore, he mentioned that investigators might also look into other companies suspected of being involved in land clearing upstream of the Aek Garoga River. "Regarding corporations that we are still investigating, there is one corporation. Coincidentally, the upstream area is about 120 kilometers long. We are striving to maximize our efforts to identify all corporations or activities along that upstream stretch," he said.