KBRN, Jakarta: The Indonesian government has filed lawsuits against six companies accused of causing severe environmental damage in North Sumatra. Officials described the move as a commitment to upholding ecological justice without discrimination.

The damage was recorded in North Tapanuli, Central Tapanuli, and South Tapanuli, with restoration efforts focused on the Garoga and Batang Toru river basins.

The lawsuits were submitted simultaneously to the Medan District Court, with additional registrations made at the Central Jakarta and South Jakarta District Courts.

“Environmental destruction has stripped away natural functions, disrupted livelihoods, and heightened disaster risks. The state must intervene when the environment is damaged, and communities are affected,” said Minister of Environment and head of the Environmental Control Agency, Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, in Jakarta on Friday, January 16, 2026.

Hanif emphasized that the lawsuits were based on field investigations and expert assessments. “The polluter-pays principle must be enforced,” he said.

Deputy Minister of Law Enforcement Rizal Irawan added that the legal action refers to Law No. 32/2009 on Environmental Protection and Management, which underscores responsibility and due diligence. He stressed that the lawsuits are not solely about financial compensation. “This step is also aimed at preventing floods and landslides,” Rizal said.

The six companies named in the lawsuits are PT NSHE, AR, TPL, PN, MST, and TBS. Their operations are alleged to have damaged 2,516.39 hectares of land. The government is seeking IDR 4.84 trillion (USD 286.25 million), comprising IDR 4.65 trillion in compensation and IDR 178.48 billion for restoration.

The Environment Ministry has pledged that the legal process will be transparent and accountable. All funds obtained through the lawsuits will be directed toward environmental restoration and safeguarding community rights. (Gusti Panji/Lasti Martina)