December 4, 2025 | 11:28 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, has announced that the Ministry will launch an examination and evaluation to determine whether mining activities are contributing factors to the severe flooding that recently struck Sumatra.
While Bahlil stated there are currently no mines operating in West Sumatra, he confirmed that he will deploy a team to inspect mining operations in Aceh and North Sumatra.
"So, after the team evaluates, then I will check whether the impact of these mines exists or not," Bahlil said at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Thursday, December 4, 2025.
Bahlil stressed that the Ministry will take decisive action against any mining permits found to be operating improperly. "We will impose strict sanctions," he warned.
Initial Assessment of Martabe Mine
Bahlil mentioned that he has already conducted a visual inspection of the Martabe gold mine in South Tapanuli, North Sumatra, which was initially suspected of causing flooding in the region. According to his assessment, the mine's location does not fall within the area where the flash floods occurred.
"I also checked yesterday at the location, it is a gold mine. There are three rivers. There is a big river, and the one affected by the flood is a medium-sized river. Well, in Martabe, it's a small river," Bahlil clarified, suggesting a separation between the mine's proximity and the most severely affected waterways.
Following the disaster, Bahlil has requested that mining operations in the affected region be temporarily halted. However, he clarified that the suspension is not due to immediate environmental or legal issues; rather, the request was made so the mine operator could assist in deploying heavy equipment to support disaster relief efforts.
Martabe Mine Operator Denies Connection
Prior to the Minister's statement, PT Agincourt Resources (PTAR), the company managing the Martabe mine, issued a statement labeling the narrative linking its operation to the flash floods in South Tapanuli as premature and inaccurate.
PTAR presented its own analysis, attributing the flash floods and landslides in the Batang Toru District to Cyclone Senyar, which caused extremely high rainfall in the region. The company claimed the floods were primarily caused by the Garoga River's inability to accommodate the massive flow of floodwater, which was "triggered by the massive blockage of log materials at the Garoga I and Anggoli bridges."
Agincourt Resources further argued that its operations are situated within the Aek Pahu River basin, which is hydrologically separate from the affected Garoga River basin. They claimed their activities in the Aek Pahu River basin are not directly related to the disaster in Garoga.
The company reinforced its position with preliminary aerial observations using helicopters in the Garoga River's upstream area. These observations reportedly showed visual evidence of massive landslides on the banks of the Garoga River, including within protected forest areas. The management suggested these landslides are the direct source of a large portion of the mud and wood debris found in the river.
"However, these findings are still preliminary indications. Further assessment is needed to comprehensively search for other sources of the cause," the management concluded.
Anastasya Lavenia Yudi contributed to the report
Read: Sumatra Disaster Update: Death Toll Rises to 836
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